UV telescope on China’s Chang’e 3 lander images a galaxy from the Moon

As noted here  back in March (see First images from the UV telescope on Chang’e-3 lander), the International Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA) based in Hawaii is collaborating with the National Astronomical Observatories -Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) in the use of the Lunar Ultraviolet Telescope (LUT) on the Chang’e 3 spacecraft that landed on the lunar surface in December 2013.

It has long been proposed that the Moon could provide an excellent location on which to do astronomical observations. It provides a stable platform for telescopes and has no atmosphere to blur images or to block UV light. Though the LUT is  is a very small telescope, it sets a precedent for lunar astronomy.

Galaxy observation is a key goal of the LUT and the ILOA yesterday posted the following in the Lunar Enterprise Daily:

Moon-Based Telescope Observation Of M101 Spiral
Is First Galaxy Imaged From The Moon

m101GalaxyFromMoon1214[1]

Great Astronomy From The Moon Potential Confirmed By China Chang’e-3 Lunar Ultraviolet Telescope LUT Observations On 2 December At Beginning Of Lunar Day 13;

Iconic 2014 Photo To Be Refined Further By NAOC Astronomers In Beijing, In Collaboration With ILOA And UHH, CFHT Lunar Astronomy Team On Hawai`i Island USA, Introducing Bright, Robust New Year 2015

Image Credit: National Astronomical Observatories of China & International Lunar Observatory Association; University of Hawaii Hilo, Canada France Hawaii Telescope