Orientale on Display - NASA
Summary: This image provides a rare, full view of the Moon's Orientale basin, a 600-mile-wide crater that typically straddles the boundary between the near and far sides of the Moon.
Captured on April 6, 2026, this image displays the Moon in full illumination. The right side shows the near side of the Moon, characterized by dark, ancient lava flows. To the west of these flows lies the Orientale basin, a massive 600-mile-wide crater. While the left half of this crater is usually hidden from Earth due to the Moon's synchronous rotation, this perspective reveals the entire basin, along with the lunar far side to its left.
Document outline
1. Overview of the Moon's illumination 2. Identification of the near side and its volcanic features 3. Description of the Orientale basin 4. Explanation of the lunar far side and synchronous rotation
