With another July 20 coming up, I’ve took it upon myself to study the landing area of Apollo 11, using only resources that would be available at the time. First, a map of the region created using Ranger VIII photographic data, which impacted not far north of the landing area and a mission planning map that was created using mosaics provided by the fantastic Lunar Orbiter Missions. I’ve taken a frame from Lunar Orbiter IV (4085_h1) and annotated the major features. (See also a Lunar Orbiter V frame that overlooks the region, here)
All these fantastic images and map resources are made available to the public though the Lunar and Planetary Institute. They have been reprocessing raw Lunar Orbiter photographic data as it was transmitted and received and digitally archiving from the original tape recordings giving a new perspective (and resolution) on these truly fantastic missions. The LO catalog can be found here and map resources here.
