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A comparison of the vignetting function for Apollo 15, 16 and 17 35-mm cameras is presented. A technique for removing this effect is described and demonstrated on an image of the L4 point of the earth-moon system.

Photometry of the lunar libration region L4 obtained in double umbra during the lunar orbital flight of Apollo 15 is reported. A four-minute photographic exposure of the region centered at celestial coordinates 23 h 14 m, -1.8 deg was made using a 35-mm camera at f/1.2 in the command module pilot's window. The film had been calibrated to the sun's surface brightness, and scene brightness information was converted to digital form, followed by high-speed digital processing with vignetting removal to obtain absolute photometric values. Results reveal an elliptical brightness region 16 x 12 deg in extent with an absolute brightness of 3.3 x 10 to the -14th sun surface brightness units. The mass of the scattering material responsible for the effect is estimated to be between 6 x 10 to the 18th and 2 x 10 to the 7th g.

It is reported that the Apollo 16 command module astronomical photography was performed with the specific objective of capitalizing on the uniqueness of the double umbra as a vantage point to collect astronomical data that are obtainable only near our Moon. For this reason, these data will be compared directly to analogous photography performed from Earth orbit during Project Mercury and the Gemini Program as well as to the Apollo-duplicated photography taken from sites on the Earth surface. Comparison with Earth-based photography should yield direct information on the Earth airglow layer and on atmospheric scattering and extinction.

Apollo 16 photography during lunar orbit of the Gegenschein-Moulton region was used to determine the libration points of the Sun-Earth system. Triangulation for the system is discussed, along with background experimental information.

Photographic observations of astronomical interest conducted during the Apollo 15 mission are discussed. Procedures used in photographing the solar corona are described together with calibration and reduction methods. In addition, selected preliminary results obtained from the photography are presented.

During Gemini missions, the image orthicon system was used to obtain photographic data on faint and diffuse astronomical phenomena. Results show that the photographs may be used to determine the airglow geometry. Although it was sensitive, the original photographic system was unsuitable for use in the study of dim and diffuse astronomical light sources.

Astronomical photography of zodiacal light and lunar libration clouds

Goddard Space Flight Center optical studies, noting UV and soft X ray regions, lasers and holography, vision, photography and testing

Day sky brightness at altitude above 100 km obtained during rocket flight compared to night sky viewed from ground

Photography from aircraft of cloud-like objects in vicinity of libration points L4 and L5 of earth- moon system

Photographic observations of rocket nightglow

Dim light photography and visual observations of space phenomena from Gemini spacecraft

UV technology, discussing radiation sources, photodetectors, filters, polarizers, reflective coatings, etc

Dim light photographs from Gemini VI-A and Gemini VIII missions

Visual geoastronomical observations by astronauts aboard Mercury and Gemini orbital flights

Photographs of earth night air glow obtained from Aerobee rocket

Gemini IV photographic data on zodiacal light, meteors, auroras, nightglow, and twilight horizon blue bands

UV photography and spectroscopy using spectrally selective image converter and photodetection

Ultraviolet spectroscopy and photography using spectrally selective image converter

Satellite observations of space phenomena - mercury project

Middle ultraviolet photoelectric detection equipment for rockets

Visual observations of nightglow from manned spacecraft

Vacuum ultraviolet ion chambers, photodetectors

Spectrally selective photodetectors for the middle and vacuum ultraviolet

Spectrally selective photodetector for middle and vacuum ultraviolet

A manual and atlas used on the Skylab mission for hand-held photography are presented. The manual covers terrain, environmental, meteorological, and dim light photography while the atlas covers sections from the Army Map Service 1:40.000,000 world map, a glossary of geologic terms, geologic maps, and recommended exposure times.

Polarized and red- and blue-filter photographs of zodiacal light obtained by Apollo 17 are analyzed. Attempts were made to identify the cause of subtle change in the observed light and determine the dust composition of the light. A comparison of red and blue images indicates such changes may be caused by particle size distribution and range, number of particles along any given line of sight, particle surface characteristics including dielectric compared to metallic properties, and variations of the parameters as a function of distance from the sun.

This paper reports further progress on photography of faint astronomical and geophysical phenomena accomplished during the recent Apollo missions. Command module pilots have been able to photograph such astronomical objects as the solar corona, zodiacal light-corona transition region, lunar libration region, and portions of the Milky Way. The methods utilized for calibration of the film by adaptation of the High Altitude Observatory sensitometer are discussed. Kodak 2485 high-speed recording film was used in both 35-mm and 70-mm formats. The cameras used were Nikon f/1.2 55-mm focal length and Hasselblad f/2.8 80-mm focal length. Preflight and postflight calibration exposures were included on both the flight and control films, corresponding to luminances extending from the inner solar corona to as faint as 1/10 of the luminance of the light of the night sky. The photographs obtained from unique vantage points available during lunar orbit are discussed.