Getting as Close as Possible: A DIY Attempt to See the Apollo 11 Landing Site

Witnessing history firsthand is a dream for many, and for amateur astronomers, that dream often extends to the celestial bodies we observe. The Apollo 11 landing site, a monument to human achievement, remains a tantalizing target for those peering through telescopes. Recently, one dedicated individual took on the challenge of getting as close as possible to this iconic location, using ingenuity and readily available technology.

The Ingenious Setup

The image above is the result of a fascinating experiment. The creator took the lens from an old cell phone and ingeniously 3D printed a mount to attach it to a 10-inch telescope. This was no simple point-and-shoot; the final image is a combined 15-minute video stack, meticulously processed using PIPP and AutoStakkert.

The Reality of Observation

While the effort is commendable, the comments shed light on the immense challenge. The creator acknowledges, "Yeah, it's not visible. It's dead center in this image, but it's not really possible to see from earth. I'm just trying to get as close as possible." This sentiment is echoed by others who point out that even with a professional planetary camera, the subtle details of the landing site, such as the footprints or the Lunar Module, are simply not resolvable from Earth due to the vast distance.

One commenter shared an interesting tidbit, noting that it would likely require a mirror over 60 meters wide on Earth to resolve the landing site as a single pixel, and that's before considering atmospheric conditions and the limits of human vision.

The Spirit of Exploration

Despite the limitations, this endeavor embodies the spirit of amateur astronomy. It's about pushing boundaries, experimenting with technology, and striving to see the seemingly impossible. The pursuit of observing historical sites like the Apollo 11 landing, even if it only yields a glimpse of the general area, is a testament to our enduring fascination with space and our place in the cosmos.

This project also serves as a fantastic example of sharing technical details. The creator provided information on their acquisition and processing methods, which is crucial for the astrophotography community to learn and grow. It sparks curiosity about what might be achievable with more specialized equipment, and inspires others to embark on their own celestial quests.