Sentinel-2C satellite captures detailed lunar image during calibration
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Sep 27, 2024

On 20 September, the Copernicus Sentinel-2C satellite captured a remarkable image of the Moon by executing a sideways roll. While Sentinel-2C is primarily intended for observing Earth, this particular image - part of a calibration process - surpassed expectations.

With a resolution of approximately 5 km, the image highlights significant lunar features, including the Copernicus Crater, Tycho Crater, and the lunar seas: Sea of Tranquillity, Sea of Moisture, and Sea of Clouds. This unexpected result underscores the capabilities of Sentinel-2C's multispectral imager, which typically operates from an altitude of 786 km to gather detailed images of Earth's landscapes and coastal waters.

This lunar observation was part of a regular 'Moon calibration' procedure. Around once a month, the satellite is maneuvered to observe the Moon rather than Earth. The Moon's steady and predictable light helps detect and correct any minor performance variations in the satellite's instruments, such as those caused by the aging of optical coatings or detector shifts.

Maintaining 'radiometric accuracy' is crucial for the mission's long-term data quality, ensuring it remains consistent over time. This specific image initially presented a distorted, eclipse-shaped view of the Moon due to relative motion, but a correction process resolved the issue.

Launched on 5 September 2024, Sentinel-2C adds to the fleet of Copernicus satellites, continuing to supply essential high-resolution images for the Copernicus programme.

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