11-02-201711-02-2017
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
November 2, 2017 10:00 AMCalender
77

Taken by a Dual-Lens Camera Aboard Lunar Orbiter 2

Sell one like this
 
Auction: American & European Works of Art - 3048MLocation: MarlboroughDate / Time: November 02, 2017 10:00AM

Description:

Taken by a Dual-Lens Camera Aboard Lunar Orbiter 2
View of the Moon's horizon over the Ocean of Storms, frame 215, medium resolution view, Lunar Orbiter 2, November 1966. NASA Langley printed caption affixed to the verso. Two large-format vintage gelatin silver prints mounted together on board, image size 14 5/8 x 12 7/8 in. (37.0 x 32.4 cm),unmatted.
Condition: Subtle creases in lower image from mounting process, slight wear to mount corners.

N.B. The Lunar Orbiters had an ingenious imaging system, which consisted of a dual-lens camera, a film processing unit, a readout scanner, and a film handling apparatus. Both lenses, a 610mm narrow angle high-resolution (HR) lens and an 80mm wide-angle medium resolution (MR) lens, placed their frame exposures on a single roll of 70mm film. The axes of the two cameras were coincident so the area imaged in the high resolution frames was centered within the medium resolution frame areas. The film was moved during exposure to compensate for the spacecraft velocity, which was estimated by an electric-optical sensor. The film was then processed, scanned, and the images transmitted back to Earth as "framelets" and then reassembled. A complete medium resolution frame usually required reassembly of 26 framelets while a complete high resolution frame required 86 framelets (National Space Science Data Center, NASA Goddard (https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/lunarorb.html and http://www.lpi.usra.edu/resources/lunarorbiter/documents/LO_DUNOTES.pdf). Lunar Orbiter 2 took the photographs from an altitude of about 28 miles above the lunar surface near Crater Reiner.
Estimate $600-800


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.