I’d like to offer a couple points of clarification …
First, the far side of the Moon is referred to as “dark” only by fans of Pink Floyd and those unfamiliar with how lunar phases work. I do suppose one could make an argument that it used to be “dark” in the sense that Earthlings were absent the benefit of enlightened knowledge about what it was like prior to the arrival of lunar orbiting spacecraft. But, that may be a stretch.
Second, the Hubble’s mirror was not replaced (if that’s what you meant to say). Instead, an assembly of corrective optics was installed to give the various instruments a sharper image coming from the still flawed primary mirror.
Ah, the perils of self editing! Thanks for pointing out the error on Hubble, I should have caught that. As for the "dark" side of the Moon, the phrase predates Pink Floyd by at least a century in the sense of being unknown, as you mentioned, though perhaps I do betray my muscial tastes in the article. It is for sure an antiquated term that has little scientific meaning. There is no (permanently) dark side to the Moon, and since the 1960s we are certainly familiar with both the near and far sides.
Thanks for commenting and for the clarifications! Mistakes happen sometimes and I'm happy people point them out.
I had little doubt that you are knowledgeable about lunar phases. It’s the 99% of the general public I wonder about. Admittedly, I am on somewhat of a cosmic crusade to educate the world on such misnomers.
I recall an interview with Michael Collins where a professional journalist referred to the dark side of the Moon. For an instant, you could almost see Michael’s skin crawl. But, of course he maintained his characteristic poise and gracefully tolerated the error.
Nice summary of an eventful month.
I’d like to offer a couple points of clarification …
First, the far side of the Moon is referred to as “dark” only by fans of Pink Floyd and those unfamiliar with how lunar phases work. I do suppose one could make an argument that it used to be “dark” in the sense that Earthlings were absent the benefit of enlightened knowledge about what it was like prior to the arrival of lunar orbiting spacecraft. But, that may be a stretch.
Second, the Hubble’s mirror was not replaced (if that’s what you meant to say). Instead, an assembly of corrective optics was installed to give the various instruments a sharper image coming from the still flawed primary mirror.
Otherwise, another interesting article.
Ah, the perils of self editing! Thanks for pointing out the error on Hubble, I should have caught that. As for the "dark" side of the Moon, the phrase predates Pink Floyd by at least a century in the sense of being unknown, as you mentioned, though perhaps I do betray my muscial tastes in the article. It is for sure an antiquated term that has little scientific meaning. There is no (permanently) dark side to the Moon, and since the 1960s we are certainly familiar with both the near and far sides.
Thanks for commenting and for the clarifications! Mistakes happen sometimes and I'm happy people point them out.
I had little doubt that you are knowledgeable about lunar phases. It’s the 99% of the general public I wonder about. Admittedly, I am on somewhat of a cosmic crusade to educate the world on such misnomers.
I recall an interview with Michael Collins where a professional journalist referred to the dark side of the Moon. For an instant, you could almost see Michael’s skin crawl. But, of course he maintained his characteristic poise and gracefully tolerated the error.