![]() ![]() Textures include maps from space missions, historical textures permitting easy comparison of work by astronomy pioneers with present data, and a range of scientific overlays, including gravity, temperature, geology, altimetric data, and various chemical elements. Over the past 15 years, the project has had more than 1.7 million downloads from users all over the world and has evolved to include a database with nearly 60 000 entries of features and formations on the Moon’s near and far side. VMA works only on Windows-compatible PC's.In 2002, keen amateur astronomer, Christian Legrand, and software specialist, Patrick Chevalley, started work on developing the Virtual Moon Atlas (VMA) – a freeware to support observations of the Moon and as a tool for public engagement with Earth’s satellite.A freely available alternative for displaying only IAU-sanctioned names and dimensions is the LTVT software, which is also more flexible in displaying the Moon from unconventional viewpoints. ![]() ![]() If you are concerned about using correct IAU names and positions, see the list of current VMA Database Errors.However it has a powerful capability to search for combinations of attributes in its database. Users should note that the current release of DATALUN is not completely consistent with current IAU nomenclature (some IAU names are misspelled, some are omitted, and some are misplaced).DATALUN includes geologic information, the history of the feature name, and observing notes. The feature information display is driven by the included DATALUN database, which users can add to.Users with advanced graphics cards have the option to display a variety of overlays on the basic textures for example, indicating the locations of major geologic formations.Users can add to the image database, again provided the feature name is properly encoded in the filename. The scale and orientation of the supplementary images is not indicated. Most include and can display (in a separate window) selected images of the features (in addition to the global texture files used for creating the maps), provided the search term is encoded in the image file name. Includes observing notes (and more) for each. Clicking on the simulation indentifies the neareast named feature.Cannot generate overhead views of feaures off the Moon's equator. Can also show views centered on the longitude of any selected feature name. VMA shows a simulated view of Moon for any selected date, time and observing location (on Earth).The actual program files to be downloaded are stored on the SourceForge website. The old website (of many years standing) may continue to describe some of the earlier releases. With the release of Version 4.0/3.5c in May 2008, VMA moved to new website.The most recent release of "VMA Pro 5" includes versions that work in the Linux and Mac operating systems.Also known (in the English-speaking world) as "VMA", and (in French) as "AVL" ( Atlas Virtuel de la Lune). Description A popular free program for displaying lunar features on an interactive globe, developed by Christian Legrand and Patrick Chevalley. ![]()
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