Anomalous Shadow Found in NASA's LRO Image of Apollo 17 Landing Site

I just noticed this while going over the Apollo Landing site pictures, released by the LRO.

LRO Sees Apollo Landing Sites.

I would like to draw your attention to the image of the Apollo 17 site.

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/6623a036c0ed.jpg[/atsimg]

What is the shadow on the left of the picture, seen here in a cropped version:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/7c691c6d2471.jpg[/atsimg]

A bit more closely:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/68ab342ec671.jpg[/atsimg]


NASA has labelled the Lander in the photo:

(Apollo 17 lunar module, Challenger). Image width: 359 meters (about 1,178 ft.

So if it's a shadow on the surface, whatever made it is taller than the Lunar module. And seemingly pointy.

Could it be faulty photographic equipment? However none of the other images show such a fault if that is the case.

It cannot be any equipment or scientific instruments left behind as highlighted in the Apollo 14 image, it's just too large.

What do you all think?

Equipment problem, a structure on the moon, evidence of tampering, a rock formation, what?




[edit on 18-7-2009 by kiwifoot]

reply to post by kiwifoot


When I followed your link, and clicked on "larger image" it showed an object casting that shadow.

We're going to need some resident experts to tell us what the object is...it is fairly narrow, and somewhat taller (maybe) than the descent stage of the LM...but, remember....IF the terrain on the shadowed side is not level, and is a downslope, the shadow will appear exaggerated in length.

ALSO, it needn't be much taller than the LM to lcast a longer shadow. The LM is only a few feet higher than the height of a person....




[edit on 18 July 2009 by weedwhacker]

The object casting the shadow does not have to be taller than the LM. The LM is on fairly level ground, an object on a slope will cast a longer shadow. I think the shadow you're interested in is from this rock, known as "geophone rock".

reply to post by weedwhacker


Okay, I see what you mean, the enlarged image can be found here.

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/f84d3488f8c5.jpg[/atsimg]

But in a way that raises more questions. Do you think it's possible that NASA labelled the wrong object the Lunar Module?

What I mean is it possible that they've labelled the eguipment the module and the larger object, throwing a larger shaddow is actually it.

Originally posted by kiwifoot
reply to

What I mean is it possible that they've labelled the eguipment the module and the larger object, throwing a larger shaddow is actually it.

I doubt it but then again a car can be lost in a parking garage maybe if they have the keys we can make the lights flash.Sorry couldnt help it!