It may look like a pizza...

but it's actually a new map of the surface of Io, one of Jupiter's moons and the most volcanically active body in the solar system:

More here at the USGS: Geologic Map of Io.

Image credit: Wired.com.

Fiery geologic history...

of the Moon visualized in a short video:

First human footprints...

on another world seen in a high resolution image of the Apollo 11 landing site, captured by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft.  Cool.

RELATED:  I remember watching this mission's moon walk when I was a kid.

A profound moment in history...

for all of humanity: What Apollo 11 Astronauts Did Right Before Neil Armstrong Set Foot on the Moon.

I remember watching this historic moment at the age of 12, and I credit it as one of the reasons that I pursued science in my education and career.  Sadly, nothing quite this motivational involving human exploration of the unknown exists these days.  Yeah, robot geologists crawling around on Mars is pretty cool, but it isn't the same as a rock-hammer-wielding astronaut/geologist being there.

Luna and Venus...

setting above Porcupine Rim, just moments ago (click to enlarge):

I get up early...

so you don't have to, and here's the fruit of my labor. The predicted fog didn't manifest itself in the 18-degree F early morning, allowing for a good look at the total eclipse of the Moon.

Image details: Canon EOS 30D with 400 mm EF lens on monopod.

RELATED:  Here's another early morning astroimaging project of mine from a couple of years ago.

Watch the dawn eclipse of the Moon...

early this Saturday morning. You'll have to rise at 4:45 am PST if you want to catch the early show, and it will conclude by 6:57 am PST.  Get all the details at the linked article, and there's more information here.

Unfortunately, for eastern Washington, fog is predicted due to a cold, stagnant air mass.  This may frustrate my attempt at observation.

Hi-res topographic map of the Moon...

has just been released (click to enlarge):

Selenographers rejoice!  Here's more information about the new map (and the color scale) and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera.

Split personality of Luna...

explained by a new hypothesis: Earth Had 2 Moons That Crashed to Form 1, Study Suggests.

Water, water, every where,...

nor any drop to drink: Scientists Detect Earth-Equivalent Amount of Water Within the Moon.

Artifacts from the Apollo era...

on display at Kennedy Space Center include the actual command module for Apollo 17, scarred by the tremendous heat of re-entry into Earth's atmosphere at the end of the mission (click to enlarge):

Also on display is astronaut Alan Shepard's extravehicular activity suit he wore on the Moon's surface, clearly showing lunar dust on the lower legs and boots:

And most interesting to me is one of several Moon rocks:

Super duper Luna...

on 19 March, when our nearest neighbor is at perigee, could wreak havoc:  'Supermoon' May Cause Moonquakes, Scientist Says.

On Earth, not so much.  Never mind then.

UPDATE:  Here's a more science-based article about the unusually large Moon.

Send me to the Moon...

to explore, map and study these potential lava tubes imaged by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter in the Marius Hills and Mare Tranquillitatis.

Really.  I'll go.

If you feel like howling at the Moon...

this evening you likely won't be alone, as the first full phase this year is termed the Wolf Moon.  Here are the other obscure full Moon names of 2011, and a sound clip to set the mood for tonight.

Moon has a liquid core...

as revealed by sensors left on the lunar surface by Apollo astronauts 40 years ago.  More here.

Stereo viewing made easy...

using lunar photographs as examples: Look Ma! No Glasses!

Tonight's Harvest Moon accompanies...

the change in seasons: Watch Out for the Super Harvest Moon.

The autumnal equinox occurs this evening, at 8:09 PDT, when we make the transition from northern summer to fall.

Luna rising...

over the La Sal Mountains this evening (click to enlarge).

RELATED: Only an early bird will catch the partial lunar eclipse this Saturday morning.

Ten cool things seen...

in the first year of LRO.

More and more water ice...

found in our local neighborhood in the solar system:

• Radar Map of Buried Martian Ice Adds to Climate Record

• Tons of Water Ice Found on the Moon's North Pole