SMART-1 views the edge of Luna Incognita: Mars on the Moon?
SMART-1 has investigated lunar areas at the edge of Luna
Incognita. This area near the lunar poles can be used for lunar
science studies, or even to prepare for human bases on the Moon
and on Mars. Mankind did not see the land called Luna Incognita,
until the first probes sent images of the lunar farside.
Plaskett crater sits close to the Moon's north pole, on the edge
of Luna Incognita. Plaskett has a diameter of 109 kilometres and
displays a central peak. This peak was formed during the
crater's formation and is composed of rocks, originally from
beneath the Moon's surface, which were melted and thrown up by
the impact. As they rose above the surface they 'froze' and
formed the peak. By analysing such central peaks, planetary
scientists can deduce the vertical composition of the Moon’s
subsurface regions. Plaskett crater could play a key role in
preparing humans for their eventual journeys to Mars. On such a
mission, Earth would dwindle to a point