Are they still usable?
2006-10-02 15:26:23 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
(excuse my spelling)
2006-10-02 15:27:10 · update #1
The second chief experiment in the Apollo 11 science package was the Laser Ranging Retro-Reflector, or LRRR. Roughly one foot square, the LRRR was a configuration of specialized mirrors that possessed the property of always reflecting light in the same direction as its source. The reflector was set up about 16 feet (5 meters) from the solar-powered seismic recorder. Resting on the lunar surface it resembled an oversize hotplate with a shiny top. It would be used to reflect laser beams sent from Earth in order to make very precise measurements of Earth-Moon distances. Although the moon is on average about 238,000 miles (385,000 kilometers) away from Earth, using this method, scientists can measure the Earth-moon distance to an accuracy of about 1 1/4 inches (3 centimeters).
2006-10-02 15:36:38 · update #2
Absolutely. My physics instructor mentioned last month that folks are bouncing lasers off them all the time to measure the distance to the moon.
2006-10-02 15:35:20 · answer #1 · answered by bonhommecretienne 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES, And until 2008, It remains one of the best ways to prove those stupid doubters and conspiracy theorists are full of ignorantly hot air when they say moon landings were faked !
P.S.- Next year a new probe will be launched into lunar orbit to "recon" the moon in preparation for human return to that "Magnificent Desolation" satellite of ours. It will give us such amazingly high-resolution imaging from it's very-very-very high tech cameras that we will (For the very first time) be able to actually see real & discernable photos of every litter-strewn Apollo landing site (Like, where's the LUNA-HOOPDI parked? ). I'm hoping the imagery will meet hopes & expectations by returning nearly 1 meter or so resolution so I could make out the tire tracks of the rovers. Let's see how much crusin' they DID-DO !!!
2006-10-02 23:36:37 · answer #2 · answered by mtnotfool 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they are used to measure the distance between the Earth and the moon using lasers.
2006-10-02 22:35:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, as far as I know.
2006-10-02 22:31:39 · answer #4 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
use them? no we left those mirrors so the aliens would see the reflections.of themselfs . and run off so we could go back.with out them bothering us. i thought every one knew that. the men who went there DID see strange objects in the area. in the sky.yes they still use them..
2006-10-02 22:36:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yes, it is.
2006-10-02 23:20:22 · answer #6 · answered by Sam X9 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋