Augmented Reality Based on Apollo Lunar Imagery: Searching for Stars and Adding Virtual Objects

Abstract

Based on photogrammetric models of the first three Apollo landing sites, we have created a method to project virtual objects onto photos taken on the lunar surface. We have applied this method to search for stars in high-resolution scans of Apollo lunar photos and to restore views of the starry sky in some iconic images. Our method can be used to incorporate computer-generated 3D graphics, such as constellation boundaries, and coordinate and contour lines, into lunar images. This research has several applications, including the visualization of digital terrain models, the creation of a virtual planetarium based on lunar photos, and demonstration of object motion in lunar gravity for educational purposes.