Subj : Daily APOD Report To : All From : Alan Ianson Date : Mon Jun 12 2023 00:13:28 Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. 2023 June 12 A crescent moon is shown against blue background. Many craters are visible in great detail. To the upper left appears some kind of small machine which is actually the International Space Station also in orbit around the Earth. Please see the explanation for more detailed information. The Largest Satellites of Earth Image Credit & Copyright: Tianyao Yang Explanation: WhatCÇÖs that near the Moon? ItCÇÖs the International Space Station (ISS). Although the ISS may appear to be physically near the Moon, it is not CÇö it is physically near the Earth. In low Earth orbit and circulating around our big blue marble about every 90 minutes, the ISS was captured photographically as it crossed nearly in front of the Moon. The Moon, itself in a month-long orbit around the Earth, shows a crescent phase as only a curving sliver of its Sun-illuminated half is visible from the Earth. The featured image was taken in late March from Shanghai, China and shows not only details of Earth's largest human-made satellite, but details of the cratered and barren surface of Earth's largest natural satellite. Over the next few years, humanity is planning to send more people and machines to the Moon than ever before. Tomorrow's picture: another two __________________________________________________________________ Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply. NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U. --- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Toy-6 * Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757) .