Source: Xinhua

11-14-2008 16:50

Special Report:   Tech Max

BEIJING, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientists revealed the country's first full map of the moon's surface on Wednesday, more than a year after the launch of its first lunar probe, Chang'e-1.

China publishes its first full map of the moon surface in  Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 12, 2008, about a year after its first lunar probe -- Chang'e-1 -- was launched. (Xinhua photo)

The picture of the moon surface, unveiled on Wednesday, covered the complete range of areas on the moon surface, according to the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, which is in charge of the country's moon program.

Scientists created the map with the image data captured by the satellite-borne camera on the Chang'e-1, administration vice director Sun Laiyan told reporters.

It was the most complete image of the moon surface, and also the richest in detail, among similar pictures published so far, according to experts with the country's moon probe program.

The lunar probe was originally designed to cover the moon surface within 70 degrees south and north latitudes. However, the camera was in a good condition to get high-definition image data of the south and north poles of the moon as well.