U.S. Clementine probe gathered data about the Moon’s poles in 1994. In these composite maps, areas in permanent darkness are black, while areas of permanent illumination are white; areas of mixed lighting condition are represented in various shades of gray. Note that the south polar area has the largest area of permanent darkness. Several areas are evident that have near-constant Sun illumination. Such zones would have great value as sites for a permanent lunar outpost. Credit: Lunar and Planetary Institute/Compiled by Paul Spudis, Ben Bussey
