[X] My Assistant

[kenny]

They have reported that the landing legs, which were tucked under the spacecraft for launch, have been deployed. The four gold colored footpads can be seen
in the section of the movie showing the separation of the spacecraft from the final stage of the launcher. Also, the solar panels are open. Chinese TV have stated
it will land "in 2 weeks".

The last time we saw a new location on the lunar surface from ground level was Jan 1973, with Luna 21 and the Lunokhod 2 rover. So here's hoping!

[Thorsten Denk]

Interesting speculation by the LROC team about a possible landing place near crater Laplace A:

A Great Place to Rove!

Chang'E/Yutu could land about 10km south east, then (the rover) cross a wrinkle-ridge and reach the rim of the 8km crater.

Thorsten (this is my first name, Denk is the family name)

[Explorer1]

Planning a 'Yutu route map' sticky thread Phil?
For what it's worth, the LROC team says they'll be photographing the site a few weeks after landing the 25th, January 22nd, and February 18th)
http://lroc.sese.asu.edu/news/index.php?/a...;.html#extended

[dvandorn]

Planning a 'Yutu route map' sticky thread Phil?

You know, that may not be a bad idea. Depending on the volume of images we get from the Chinese, it may be possible to follow the traverse somewhat real-time.

I would imagine we will have to wait to see if we get enough imagery to warrant it, but I'm beginning to think that we may need a dedicated Chang'e/Yutu folder, just as each of the Mars rovers has its own folder and LRO has its own folder, etc.

I am just on pins and needles waiting to see our first new lunar surface vista in decades!

-the other Doug