The hidden side of the Moon, also known as the far side of the Moon, was first photographed by the Soviet Luna 3 spacecraft in 1959. However, the term "hidden side" can be misleading since it suggests that this side is permanently hidden from view. In reality, both sides of the Moon receive sunlight, but the far side is not visible from Earth due to a phenomenon known as tidal locking.
Since Luna 3, numerous missions have been sent to the Moon, including several orbiters and landers. These missions have captured extensive images and data from the far side of the Moon, shedding light on its geological features and surface composition.
As for real-time images, China's Chang'e 4 mission achieved a significant milestone in January 2019. It successfully landed on the far side of the Moon and deployed a rover called Yutu-2, making it the first mission to explore the region directly. The Chang'e 4 mission has since captured and transmitted many images from the far side of the Moon, providing valuable visual data.
In terms of future missions, various space agencies and organizations have expressed interest in further exploring the Moon, including the far side. For instance, NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the lunar surface, with a focus on establishing a sustainable presence. It is likely that future missions, both robotic and crewed, will continue to capture images and collect data from the far side of the Moon, enhancing our understanding of this intriguing region.
Therefore, while we already have images and data from the far side of the Moon, ongoing and future missions will likely contribute to our knowledge and provide additional visual insights.