| Many thanks to J. -P. Metsavainio of Finland, for sharing this exciting 3D transformation technique (Sky and Telescope, January 2005). Lunar reprojection places a two dimensional image onto an appropriately sized three dimensional sphere, which can then be viewed or imaged from a different vantage point. In the past, this required the use of physical devices and photographic techniques. J -P.'s method modernizes the process, calling upon software routines to perform the reprojection and transformation. A suitable image can be brought into a program such as Adobe PhotoShop, where a spherical grid can be used as a frame upon which the image is affixed. A "trackball" control can then be manipulated to rotate the orb into any desired position, "unfurling" surface features as they come more directly into view. In this example, as the upper image was rotated, the area southwest of Tycho takes on dramatic changes. Indeed, many of the structures are seen in such radically different perspective that identification becomes a challenge... even though we know where we are! Compare individual features from the transformed image one-to-one with those from the basis image above. The changes in appearance for some are awesome (and this is directly from the very same image, kids... just rotated!) This image was captured with a Canon DSLR and AP Traveler. Initial Processing was done in Images Plus with the final polish and 3D transformation done using Adobe PhotoShop CS. For an anaglyphic 3D view, click this link (works best with Red left/Green right 3D glasses or eyepiece filters). |
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| 3 Dimensional Lunar Transform (Method shown in Sky and Telescope, January 2005) |
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