Moon Archives - Gizmochina

Huawei Mate 60 takes surprisingly good Moon photos, outshining iPhone 15 Pro Max

Soumyakanti — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 10:21:28 +0000

In recent years, smartphones have significantly elevated the field of photography, particularly in long-range capabilities. Flagship phones from leading manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei, Apple, and Xiaomi have incorporated highly optimized telephoto lenses, enabling users to capture impressive moon photos. Among these brands, Samsung and Huawei have established themselves as strong contenders in long-range photography.

Huawei Mate 60 Series Surpasses Expectations with Innovative Moon Capture Tech

Recently, China celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival during a rare celestial event featuring a “supermoon”. This rare celestial event provided excellent conditions for moon-watching in various regions of China, including Northwest China, North China, Jiangnan, and South China.

Many people took advantage of this opportunity to capture stunning moon photos. During this period, the Huawei Mate 60 series, known for its popularity, stood out as a significant smartphone for capturing moon photos. Users widely shared impressive moon images taken with this smartphone. Some bloggers pointed out the phone’s capability to adjust the moon’s exposure while maintaining clarity in the foreground, crediting Huawei’s impressive algorithm for this achievement.

According to MyDrivers, a moon photography comparison was drawn by a blogger named “Pishumadia” between the Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with the former reportedly surpassing the latter in terms of detail and clarity, based on sample images.

Last year, Huawei secured a patent for a specialized method and device designed for moon photography. This patented method enables the device to autonomously identify the moon, optimize focus for a clear outline, and capture multiple frames with different exposure settings. This results in the production of stunning photos featuring a well-defined, beautifully outlined moon set against a bright and clear background.

Huawei claims that this feature enhances the photography experience for all users, making it possible for non-professionals to capture stunning moon images using standard shooting modes. While the Huawei Mate 60 series has received acclaim for its moon photography capabilities, it’s important to remember that these findings are drawn from user-shared images and blogger reviews, and may be influenced by individual preferences and experiences.

The Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design received a strong market response upon its release in China. It features an impressive 6.82-inch OLED LTPO 120Hz screen, a range of high-quality cameras, and is powered by the Kirin 9000s with Harmony OS 4.0. The device comes in two variants, with prices starting at 11,999 yuan ($1,642). Buyers are also offered a one-year Huawei card membership with various benefits and exclusive protective cases. Huawei enthusiasts queued up early to purchase the phone, reflecting the anticipation seen during iPhone releases in China.

Here’s when to Watch ISRO’s Chandrayaan 3 Moon Landing Live in Your Time Zones

Anubhav — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 23:09:06 +0000

India‘s Chandrayaan-3 mission is all set to attempt a landing on the Moon‘s south pole on Wednesday. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has planned the live telecast of the same for various times across the globe:

New York (EDT): 8:34 AM
Los Angeles (PDT): 5:34 AM
London (BST): 1:34 PM
New Delhi (IST): 6:04 PM
Tokyo (JST): 9:34 PM
Sydney (AEST): 10:34 PM

ISRO has one of the lowest budgets in the Space Race, yet it Delivers time and again

The live telecast is scheduled to start at 3:50 AM EDT, and you can tune in early Wednesday morning (US time) to watch the Indian lander’s descent.

This mission is a big deal for India. Chandrayaan-3 comes after the failure of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019, which crashed on its way to the Moon. But ISRO has learned from that experience. The new mission has a better design, with changes to the landing area, software updates, and backup systems.

The Moon’s south pole is a tough place to land. It has rough ground and lots of shadows from craters. But it’s also exciting because scientists think there might be water ice there. This could help with future trips to the Moon.

ISRO is keeping everyone updated on the mission through its X account (formerly Twitter). They posted early on Tuesday, “The mission is on schedule. Systems are undergoing regular checks. Smooth sailing is continuing.” India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission shows how the country is growing in space technology. The world will be watching to see if they can pull off a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole. It would be a big step forward for space exploration. The space agency has one of the lowest funding budgets in the world, but it has made significant headlines in the past. Fingers crossed!

Watch the Live Telecast for the Chandrayaan 3 Landing Here:

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Russia to Launch First Moon-Landing Craft in 47 Years

Anubhav — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 03:24:10 +0000

Russia has announced its first moon-landing mission in 47 years, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration. The launch, scheduled for this Friday, will see the Luna-25 craft take off from the Vostochny cosmodrome, aiming for the lunar south pole, a region known for water ice pockets.

The Rover is intended to be used on the moon for at least a year

The Luna-25 mission, propelled by a Soyuz 2.1v rocket, will be the first of its kind since 1976 for Russia. It is making its debut in a competitive landscape, with India‘s Chandrayaan-3, the United States, and China all targeting similar lunar exploration.

The lander is expected to touch down on the moon on August 21, according to Russia’s space chief Yuri Borisov. The Luna-25, approximately the size of a small car, is designed to operate on the moon’s south pole for a year, focusing on areas where water ice has been detected.

Russia’s renewed effort is significant not only in the context of its own space program but also in the global race for lunar exploration. The mission signifies a broader interest in the moon, not only for its scientific value but also for the potential resources it offers.

The European Space Agency had initially planned to contribute a navigation camera but severed its ties to the project following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

As the world watches Russia’s ambitious lunar plan, this mission emphasizes renewed interest and investment in lunar exploration. With more nations entering the field, the future of lunar study seems vibrant, paving the way for further scientific discovery and technological advancement in space exploration.

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NASA’s Ambitious Moon Mining Plans for the Next Decade

Anubhav — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 02:32:25 +0000

In an exciting announcement, a scientist from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) revealed that the agency is actively pursuing the development of lunar resources. The initial focus lies on extracting oxygen and water, with future plans to expand to valuable elements such as iron and rare earths. NASA’s goal is to commence excavation of lunar soil by 2032, marking a significant step towards the establishment of sustainable space exploration.

Lunar soil excavation is expected to scale up by the year 2032

Central to NASA’s ambitious moonshot program is the advancement of commercial opportunities in space. Gerald Sanders, a seasoned rocket scientist at NASA’s Johnston Space Center, emphasized the importance of quantifying potential resources, including energy, water, and lunar soil, to attract commercial investment. Sanders believes that developing access to lunar resources will be pivotal in reducing spaceflight costs and fostering a circular economy, ultimately facilitating the growth of the space industry.

To comprehensively understand the resource profile of the moon, NASA is planning to send a test drilling rig to the lunar surface later this month. The agency aims to scale up lunar soil excavation by 2032 and establish a pilot processing plant. Initial customers are expected to be commercial rocket companies seeking to harness lunar resources for fuel and oxygen, paving the way for a new era of space exploration and commerce.

Australia’s Space Agency is also actively contributing to this lunar endeavor. They are collaborating on the development of a semi-autonomous rover capable of collecting samples of lunar regolith during NASA’s upcoming lunar missions. By as early as 2026, this rover will gather samples containing oxide lunar soil, which will then be used by NASA to extract oxygen using a dedicated device.

NASA’s plans extend beyond the moon, as they intend to leverage the knowledge and experience gained from lunar missions to facilitate future manned missions to Mars. With their sights set on returning American astronauts to the moon by 2025, including the historic first woman and person of color, NASA is demonstrating its commitment to diversity and inclusion in space exploration.

The journey to the moon holds vast potential, not only for scientific advancements but also for the growth of a thriving commercial space industry. The future is bright, and the moon looks like it will become humanity’s stepping stone to the stars.

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NASA Discovers Crash Site of Japan’s Failed Lunar Lander

Anubhav — Thu, 25 May 2023 07:00:32 +0000

In a recent development, NASA‘s lunar orbiter has successfully located the crash site of Japan‘s ill-fated lunar lander. The groundbreaking discovery sheds light on the failed mission and raises questions about the challenges of commercial moon landings.

Contact with the lander was lost during the early stages of the Mission

Japan’s ispace company had embarked on an ambitious endeavour to achieve the nation’s first-ever commercial lunar landing. However, the attempt took a devastating turn when contact with the lunar lander was abruptly lost during the early hours of the mission.

The HAKUTO-R Mission 1, as it was known, aimed to touch down on the moon’s surface in the Atlas Crater, situated at the southeastern edge of Mare Frigoris. The mission had garnered significant attention due to its payload, which included the UAE’s pioneering lunar rover, the Rashid rover. Unfortunately, both Japan’s lunar lander and the UAE’s rover suffered from mission failures.

The crash site of the Japanese lunar lander was recently discovered through images captured by NASA’s lunar orbiter and transmitted back to Earth. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, but the finding serves as a reminder of the immense challenges and risks involved in space exploration.

The failure of the HAKUTO-R mission is a setback for Japan’s aspirations in the commercial space sector. However, it is crucial to view such failures as learning opportunities. The data and insights gathered from this mission will undoubtedly prove invaluable for future lunar exploration endeavours.

As the global space community continues to push the boundaries of human knowledge and technology, setbacks are an inherent part of the journey. Japan’s commitment to space exploration remains resolute, and the lessons learned from the HAKUTO-R mission will guide future endeavours, inspiring innovative approaches and encouraging the pursuit of breakthroughs in lunar exploration and beyond.

The discovery of the crash site by NASA’s lunar orbiter serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and challenges that lie ahead. It underscores the importance of collaboration, continuous improvement, and determination as we strive to unlock the mysteries of the moon and the vast expanse of space.

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Here’s the Rover that will Accompany SpaceX’s Starship to the Moon

Anubhav — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 03:57:06 +0000

Rovers play a crucial role in future missions to the Moon for several reasons. Firstly, rovers can travel farther and faster than humans and can carry out tasks that would be difficult or impossible for astronauts to perform. This includes exploring rugged and inhospitable terrains, collecting and analyzing samples, and conducting experiments. Secondly, rovers can work autonomously (if required) for extended periods, enabling scientists to gather data and conduct research over a longer duration. Thirdly, rovers can be equipped with sophisticated instruments and sensors to detect and analyze the lunar environment, providing valuable insights into the Moon’s geology, chemistry, and other aspects. Rovers are clearly very essential tools for exploring the Moon and expanding our understanding of our nearest celestial neighbour. Astrolab recently announced that their FLEX Rover will be launched on SpaceX‘s upcoming moon mission.

This mission will transport Astrolab’s FLEX rover using SpaceX’s Starship launch and landing system as early as mid-2026. FLEX is not just a rover, but a logistics system for Moon and Mars missions. It will be the largest and most capable rover to travel to the Moon with a combined mass of over two tons. Astrolab designed FLEX to transport and deploy payloads in a modular system, making it highly versatile and capable of conducting scientific experiments, commercial endeavours, and deploying technology demos on the lunar surface.

The rover can be controlled remotely from the surface of the earth, however, it serves as a hybrid model for astronauts on the surface of the moon. The FLEX Rover can also serve as an unpressurized rover for a crew of two astronauts. The company plans to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon and eventually Mars by creating a fleet of FLEX rovers. Jaret Matthews, Founder and CEO of Astrolab, expressed his excitement for the contract with SpaceX, which will allow Astrolab to demonstrate the advantages of FLEX and its modular payload system. SpaceX’s Senior Vice President, Tom Ochinero, said Starship is designed to transport large amounts of cargo, including rovers, to the Moon and Mars for research and exploration.

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Nokia’s Quest to Provide 4G Internet on the Moon

Oğuz Çakır — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:19:43 +0000

Nokia is preparing to send 4G technology to the Moon. During an upcoming space mission, potentially paving the way for more lunar discoveries and human presence on Earth’s natural satellite. The system will be deployed during Intuitive Machines’s IM-2 mission, scheduled to launch in November aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This project could set the stage for future crewed Artemis missions to the Moon. Here are the details…

Nokia’s Bold Leap: Bringing 4G Internet to the Moon

Nokia has partnered with Lunar Outpost and Intuitive Machines to develop a 4G communications system specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions in space. The Nova-C lunar lander, developed by Intuitive Machines, will transport the system and other payloads to the Moon, with the ultimate destination being the Shackleton crater in the southern lunar region. This tech demonstration could become a crucial component of future crewed Artemis missions, with NASA planning to land two astronauts on the lunar surface in 2025.

In 2020, NASA selected Nokia for this ambitious project, granting its Bell Labs $14.1 million in funding. The company plans to test the lander’s short and long-range communication capabilities at various proximities, ranging from a few hundred meters to between two and three kilometers away. This network will be vital for sustaining human presence on both the Moon and Mars, according to Nokia.

Nokia envisions astronauts using the 4G internet during the Artemis 3 mission for enhanced voice and video communications capabilities, telemetry and biometric data exchange, sensing applications, and controlling robotics. Thierry Klein, head of the enterprise and industrial automation research lab at Nokia Bell Labs, emphasizes the importance of providing astronauts with the same access to technology in space as they have on Earth.

One of the company’s key goals is to assist in further explorations and experiments aimed at finding ice on the Moon. Such a discovery could provide breathable oxygen for astronauts, drinkable water, and rocket fuel. Previous uncrewed missions have indicated the presence of ice in some of the Moon’s sheltered craters.

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The First Moon-to-Earth Satellite Communications Network is Under Construction

Anubhav — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 03:41:09 +0000

Lockheed Martin is taking a giant leap in lunar infrastructure by launching a spinoff company called Crescent Space. Its aim is to provide reliable communication systems for the long-term presence of humans on the Moon. The company’s first project is a satellite network called Parsec, which will connect the Moon and Earth through a constellation of small lunar satellites. The network will provide a non-stop connection between astronauts, their equipment, and people back home. Furthermore, Parsec will also help with navigation, making it an essential tool for future lunar missions.

One of the most significant benefits of Parsec is its lunar equivalent to GPS, which will provide astronauts with their precise positions and directions back to base. This technology will help keep explorers in touch with Earth and assist with spacecraft course changes. Moreover, it will be crucial for those on lunar soil, helping a rover crew to return home without driving into dangerous craters.

Lockheed Martin plans to have Crescent’s first Parsec nodes operational by 2025, with the company providing the satellites. While the startup may seem premature, with NASA‘s Artemis program not conducting a lunar flyby until late 2024 and a landing at the end of 2025, the company is well-positioned to support NASA’s Artemis Moon landings and other exploratory missions. CEO Joe Landon, formerly a Lockheed Martin Space VP, is optimistic about the future of the startup, hoping to profit from the increasing interest in lunar missions.

Lockheed Martin’s move to create Crescent Space and the launch of Parsec marks a significant advancement in lunar infrastructure. The company’s involvement in the space race is likely to benefit both private and national efforts to explore the Moon, with the technology providing reliable communication and navigation systems for lunar missions.

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Vivo X80 Pro Appears to Fake Moon Shots in Its Supermoon Mode

Sean — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 10:11:10 +0000

As photography on smartphones get better and better every year, we have been able to capture the moon in fine details thanks to powerful zoom lens. However, while there are some brands that offer a great experience on their telephoto/periscope cameras, it appears that Vivo might be manipulating some of the results.

(From left to right) Auto Mode at 1x ; Supermoon Mode at 1x

According to a series of tweets by Alvin (@sondesix), he shared a number of pictures and his experience of taking shots of the moon on his Vivo X80 Pro. In the first tweet, he took two images of the moon, one with auto mode from the main camera (1x zoom) and one in the Supermoon mode (1x zoom). The picture taken on auto mode shows the moon as how it appears in the night sky naturally, but in the Supermoon mode the moon appears to be much more larger.

We can even see certain details on the moon. Keep in mind that both shots were taken in the same magnification so such a noticeable change in size shows some form of manipulation. Following this, Alvin continued to even test the device against pictures taken from phones from other brands. He compared a moon shot with the Galaxy S23 Ultra where he set the S23 Ultra’s zoom camera on 65.3x magnification to make a comparable image.

In the video below, you can see that I made an overlay of both pictures.

I set the fixed transparency of the Galaxy S23 Ultra's picture to 60% and I put the vivo X80 Pro's picture above it.

You can see how different both pictures are when I played with the transparency slider… https://t.co/I63egvjXIz pic.twitter.com/if0cgElQ0A
— Alvin (@sondesix) March 9, 2023

Here again, we see quite a bit of difference between the two phones in terms of the details that can be seen on the moon’s surface. Alvin compared the two images and concluded that Vivo is manipulating moon shots on the Vivo X80 Pro. He noticed certain details suddenly appearing or being removed in the pictures taken of the moon, but also added that the differences could be related to different lenses and focal lengths. However, he still feels like the difference is quite “sus”.

Royole showed off its Rollable Keyboard at CES 2019 among other products

Joel Joseph — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 10:37:11 +0000

Sometime late last year, a company relatively unknown until that time, made the headlines of nearly all tech blogs around the world. After all, Royole, a startup had managed to beat the South Korean giant Samsung in releasing the first commercial foldable smartphone in the market. Now, the company decided to showcase its best products at CES 2019 and among them was a flexible rollable QWERTY keyboard.

The rollable QWERTY keyboard is basically a transparent and thin layer of a sheet that features full-fledged QWERTY keys. You just have to lay it out on a flat surface and connect to your device wirelessly via Bluetooth. After use, just push the button on the keyboard twice and it neatly rolls up into a compact form factor. The typing experience might not be as good as a regular keyboard but since its rollable, it’s extremely portable.

Unfortunately, no word on its pricing yet. All we know is that the keyboard will hit the markets sometime in Q2 2019 via Royole’s own site and sellers like Amazon.

Apart from this cool little keyboard, Royole also showcased their smart speaker with a built-in curved 7.8-inch display. You can watch movies, or see what’s being played on the speakers on the display. What’s even cooler is the fact that it will come with an 8MP pop-up camera which can rotate up to 180 degrees to take selfies or make video calls. You get Alexa and Google Assistant built-in which will also help you to control your smart home devices.

MORE CES Coverage: LG’s Signature Rollable TV is coming to the market in 2019!

Finally coming to the smart touch selfie stick, it features multi-touch sensors on its handle to navigate through the in-camera features of the connected smartphone. This ones already available for purchase in China via Brookstone and will hit the US in 2019.

Apart from these, the Flexpai foldable phone was showcased at the event along with existing products from the company like its digital writing pad called RoWrite and its 3D entertainment headset called Moon.

For more CES 2019 coverage, check out this link.

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