Researchers from Tokyo City University published a study in June<\/a>\u00a0using photographs of a total solar eclipse obtained during the Artemis II lunar flyby to investigate the properties of the F-corona — fancy science-speak for interplanetary dust particles that scatter sunlight when the moon is viewed with the sun directly behind it. This faint astronomical phenomenon gives the moon a halo-like glow.\u00a0<\/p>\n One of the most iconic photographs from the mission,\u00a0“Artemis II in Eclipse<\/a>,” captured a 54-minute total eclipse and offered a rare, never-before-seen view of the F-corona. Using the JPEG image, the Japanese researchers obtained reliable measurements and confirmed the F-corona’s structure, demonstrating that simple imaging can yield valuable astrophysical data.\u00a0<\/p>\n According to Nikon and NASA, the Nikon Z9 was paired with a 35mm f\/2D lens to capture the image at an aperture of f\/2, an exposure time of 2 seconds and an ISO of 1600.\u00a0<\/p>\n Researchers used the “Artemis II in Eclipse” photo and analyzed it in several ways to support their research. It was taken by a high-resolution camera in JPEG format.\u00a0<\/p>\n Tokyo City UniversityUsing a regular camera for science \u00a0<\/p>\n Kohji Tsumura, an associate professor at Tokyo City University and co-author of the study, said in a statement to CNET that he was initially skeptical about using JPEG images since\u00a0most space imagery<\/a>\u00a0used for research relied either on raw, uncompressed image data or highly specialized codecs. Yet the end result was “comparable to data used in professional astronomical observations.”\u00a0<\/p>\n “I was amazed to learn that this remarkable image was captured by an astronaut using a commercially available Nikon Z9 with an exposure time of just two seconds,” Tsumura said. \u00a0<\/p>\n The study’s other co-author, Ko Arimatsu, agreed that high-performance commercial technology could serve as a tool for future space exploration and other scientific discoveries. “The findings demonstrate that scientifically valuable data can be extracted from consumer camera images when properly calibrated and analyzed,” Arimatsu said.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Nikon Z9 wasn’t originally part of the mission. The crew planned to use NASA-certified Nikon D5 cameras, which are outfitted to better withstand deep-space radiation. However, Commander Reid Wiseman pushed to include the Z9 as a test platform for future Artemis missions, and NASA ultimately approved bringing it on board.<\/p>\n “We did some training on the Z9, and it’s a great piece of gear,” Wiseman said.\u00a0<\/p>\n NASA has been using Nikon cameras for over 50 years and has collaborated with the photography company to develop equipment for the agency’s missions. They’re\u00a0currently working<\/a> on the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera, which is expected to go to the moon with astronauts as part of Artemis IV<\/a>.<\/p>\n “Seeing the images from the Artemis II mission return to Earth is a profound honor for all of us at Nikon,” said Hiroyuki Ikegami, senior executive vice president at Nikon, in a statement to CNET. “Nikon has been privileged to support NASA with cameras and lenses designed for exceptional clarity and reliability in the most demanding environments.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n