Carved by ancient impacts and shaped by the relentless forces of lunar geology, the Montes Alpes (Alpine Mountains) stretch across the Moon’s northern hemisphere, forming a dramatic boundary between the vast Mare Imbrium and the rugged highlands. Spanning approximately 280 kilometers, this mountain range was formed over 3.8 billion years ago during the Imbrium Basin impact event, which reshaped much of the lunar surface.

One of the most striking features within this region is the Vallis Alpes (Alpine Valley), a remarkable rift cutting through the mountain range. This valley, stretching 166 kilometers long and up to 10 kilometers wide, is believed to have formed from tectonic forces and subsequent volcanic activity. A narrow, sinuous rille runs along its floor, hinting at past lava flow activity that once shaped the valley’s surface.

The surrounding Montes Alpes terrain is dotted with impact craters, some of which predate the Imbrium impact, offering a glimpse into the Moon’s complex geological history. Sunlight casts long shadows across the rugged peaks and deep valleys, emphasizing the dramatic topography of this ancient lunar landscape.

Captured with exquisite detail, this image reveals the stark beauty and dynamic history of the Montes Alpes region, a testament to the violent yet mesmerizing forces that have sculpted the Moon over billions of years.

This photo highlights the regions and dates of the six manned landings on the Moon, with special emphasis on the location of the first manned landing carried out by Apollo 11. The historic landing site of Apollo 11, where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first set foot on the lunar surface on July 20, 1969, is marked prominently. This site, known as Tranquility Base, remains a symbol of human achievement and exploration.

In addition to Apollo 11, the photo also marks the locations of the subsequent Apollo missions: Apollo 12 at the Ocean of Storms (November 1969), Apollo 14 at the Fra Mauro highlands (February 1971), Apollo 15 at Hadley Rille (July 1971), Apollo 16 at the Descartes Highlands (April 1972), and Apollo 17 at the Taurus-Littrow valley (December 1972). Each landing site is a testament to the advancements in space technology and the bravery of the astronauts who ventured into the unknown.