Lunar Images in Saturated Colour
I obtained these images of the Moon with a 31-cm Newtonian (12 inches). The colours arise from compositional differences in the Moons rocks. In general, blue indicates Titanium-rich rock while red indicates titanium-poor rock. However other processes, including maturation of the regolith by micrometeorites can also cause reddening (such as in the highlands which are generally older than the mare). Many instances of LTP are probably due to observers who, under clear conditions, were able to visually see these colours and erroneously attribute them to outgassing or volcanic activity.
ABOVE: This is my Malin Award winning image (Solar System Category) for 2006.
Below: Plato
Below: Aristarchus and the Aristarchus Plateau
Below: The yellow peak of Bullialdus
Below: The red plains of Copernicus
Below: Doppelmeyer
Below: The orange spot of Lassell
Below: Sinus Iridium
Below: Heraclides Promontorium of Sinus Iridum, and the Gruithuisen domes.
I took the images below in 2005 with a ToUCam.
