Chinas Moon Walker sends back stunning HD photos

06-20

The Jade Rabbit rover sets off to explore the lunar surface. [Photo/Xinhua]

High definition images of the moon"s surface taken by Chinese lunar craft reveal dramatic photos of its stark landscape. The pictures, most seen for the first time and recently released by the National Astronomical Observatories, were taken by the Chang"e-3 craft and its Jade Rabbit rover.

Chang"e-3 achieved a soft landing on the lunar surface and released its rover in December 2013, making China the third country behind the US and former Soviet Union to gain that achievement.

That success also meant humans returned to the lunar surface 37 years after Luna 24, a Soviet unmanned space craft, landed on the moon in 1976.

Released image of Chang"e-3 on lunar surface. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chang"e-3 and its Jade Rabbit rover shot many photos from the moon"s surface, such as this one. [Photo/IC]

The stark surface of the moon contrasts with the deep black of outer space in this image of the lunar surface. [Photo/Xinhua]

The moon"s rocky surface is clearly seen in the photo. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Jade Rabbit rover roams on the surface of the moon. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Jade Rabbit rover drives on the lunar surface. [Photo/Xinhua]

This image of the lunar surface shows track marks from the Jade Rabbit. [Photo/Xinhua]

Track marks left by the Jade Rabbit are clearly seen on the lunar surface. [Photo/Xinhua]

Rocks and dust fill this image of the moon"s surface. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Jade Rabbit lunar rover is seen on the surface of the moon. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chang"e-3 lunar craft photographs the moon"s surface. [Photo/Xinhua]