The US Aerospace Administration has shown in a new unique approximation the play of light and shadow on the line separating the light part of the Moon from the dark. The 80-second video shows the movement of shadows near the North Pole of the Earth's satellite for two lunar days (about two months).The visualization is based on data collected in the orbit of NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
These studies can help scientists find out where layers of water ice can be found on and under the moon's surface. After all, this may be the key to the autonomy of future lunar bases. The terminator is the line of light that separates the illuminated part of the celestial body from the unilluminated.
NASA recently announced plans to land a crew on the moon under the Artemis program no later than the end of 2024.