Close-Up of Crater Copernicus 1966

This photograph of the moon's Crater Copernicus, shot by NASA, presents a stark, grayscale landscape, so different from our familiar Earthly scenes. What must it have been like to witness this alien terrain firsthand? I think about the scientists and engineers behind this image, the incredible precision and technology involved. It’s kind of mind-blowing! The texture of the lunar surface—rocky, desolate, and cratered—is so beautifully rendered here in shades of gray. This photograph reminded me of Vija Celmins's drawings of the night sky. They share a similar dedication to capturing the immensity and detail of the cosmos. There's something about that void above the crater that pulls you in, an invitation to reflect on our place in the universe. Ultimately, this image encourages us to consider how different modes of seeing—whether through art or science—can expand our understanding of the world, or in this case, beyond it.