See the Moon and Earth taken from a distance of 1.5 million kilometers: video released by NASA

The DSCOVR satellite captured a unique view of the Moon and Earth in March 2015. The series of images shows the fully lit “hidden side” of the satellite that can never be seen from our planet

A NASA camera aboard the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite captured a unique view of the planet Luna As it moves in front of Earth's sunny side in March 2015. The series of images shows the fully lit “dark side” of the Moon. It is completely invisible from our planet.

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From its position between the Sun and Earth, DSCOVR carries out its primary mission of monitoring the solar wind in real time for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Combining three separate monochrome exposures captured by the camera in quick succession. EPIC captures a series of 10 images using several narrow-band spectral filters from ultraviolet to near infrared. Images of red, green and blue channels are used in these color images. Combining three images taken about 30 seconds apart, while the Moon was moving, produces a slight but noticeable camera “artifact” on the Moon's right side. Since our satellite has moved relative to Terra Between the moment the first (red) and last (green) exposure was made, there is an incorrect alignment between the pre-filter and the final filter. Below is the video:

The importance of DSCOVR

EPIC, the camera on board the DSCOVR satellite, allows scientists To monitor ozone and aerosol levels in the Earth's atmosphereCloud height, vegetation characteristics, and ground ultraviolet reflectivity. The DSCOVR mission is a partnership between NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the US Air Force.

sourceCover image source: NASA/NOAA