Lunar Surface Reconstruction at High Resolution

Iris Fernandes, Postdoc from the section for the Physics of Ice, Climate and Earth at the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen, describes the content of her talk: 

"This presentation introduces our method in high-resolution reconstruction of the lunar surface, focusing on how multi-angular imaging and reflectance-constrained methods enable the generation of more physically consistent elevation and terrain models.

I will present results from our framework, illustrating improvements in spatial detail and surface fidelity compared with existing datasets, and discuss validation strategies and remaining challenges.

The talk will also outline how such high-quality surface models support landing-site assessment, geological interpretation, and mission planning, providing context for their relevance to upcoming lunar exploration efforts, including the Máni mission." 

Iris Fernandes' current projects:

"My scientific activities focus on geophysics, specifically in planetary exploration, using advanced computational modelling techniques. My work involves high-resolution topographic mapping and geological exploration of planetary surfaces, particularly the Moon, utilizing methods that enhance the resolution of topographic data by integrating planetary images with laser altimetry data. My research includes the development of probabilistic models to estimate uncertainties in surface and subsurface imaging. My primary contributions include refining techniques for improving topographic resolution from ~60 meters per pixel to sub-pixel levels, allowing for detailed surface feature detection such as small craters and potential resource sites. Additionally, my work addresses the challenges of mapping in areas with limited data availability, such as the Moon’s surface, by applying innovative solutions to upscale topography maps, thereby supporting risk assessment for future human settlement and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) strategies."

There will be an opportunity to pose questions to the speaker. 

Programme 

5:00pm - 5:30pm Free sandwiches and beverages

5:30pm - 6:15pm Welcome by Henni Kanstrup from IDA Space, followed by Lecture Part 1 by Iris Fernandes, Niels Bohr Institute

6:15pm - 6:30pm Break with cake and beverages

6:30pm - 7:30pm Lecture Part 2 by Iris Fernandes, Niels Bohr Institute

By signing up for the network “IDA Space” for free (at https://ida.dk/ida-space), you can then register for this event free of charge under “Member of organizer”. 

This talk will be in English. 

Photo: Niels Bohr Institute.