As if you needed further proof that the moon is beautiful…check out these stunning, psychedelic, moon maps generated by the US Geological Survey. All of the color splotches indicate to the geologic content of the moon’s surface, and the groovy palette indicates that these images were generated in the early 70s – what other time period would paint the moon in brick red, pistachio, sunshine yellow and taupe? Of course, when I look at these images I don’t see circumbasin materials or main sequence craters, I see a deep space embroidery expedition to be realized (as all of my former science teachers roll their eyes and sigh). Geologic moon needlepoint pillow project this summer, y/y?

You can see more stunning moon maps like the one above (the moon’s west side, in case you were wondering) here, along with maps of Mercury, Venus and Mars.

Via