Moon Shadows Frustrate Astronauts

Posted by samzenpus on Wednesday January 4, 2006 @01:26PM from the matter-of-fact-it's-all-dark dept.

saskboy writes "Apollo Chronicles by NASA talk about moon shadows and how they are much darker than daytime shadows on Earth. This is because there is almost no light reflected from atmosphere molecules or secondary light sources like "earthshine". "It is very easy to see in the shadows after you adapt for a while," noted Armstrong. But, added Aldrin, "continually moving back and forth from sunlight to shadow should be avoided because it's going to cost you some time in perception ability." Working on the moon even in the daylight might present unique problems not typically encountered on earth, if visual coordination in a shadow riddled area is required for a task. Audio of the NASA article is also available."

1 of 32 comments (clear)

Min score:

Reason:

Sort:

Solution? by Sparr0 · 2006-01-04 14:47 · Score: 5, Interesting

For single-purpose activities this is just something to live with, but if there is going to be extended activity in the same area then why not hang white curtains around the work site? They should reflect back enough light to create earth-ish contrast shadows. Just have to knock down one side of the circle of curtains around sunrise/sunset.