The rover Curiosity continues to provide us with new details about the surface of Mars. Since arriving on the red planet in late 2011, the NASA spacecraft has discovered metallic meteorites that have caught the attention of the scientific community, extinct lakes and even a number of molecules that could indicate that there was life on Mars in the past. . But not only that.
During these last years, he has dedicated himself to taking photographs that help us to know more about a planet of which there is still much to discover. From the panoramas taken from the top of Vera Rubin Ridge to the photographic report to publicize the great sandstorm that plunged the red planet into dust. A storm that, unfortunately, would kill the Opportunity rover when it was in the middle of a mission.
The most detailed view of Mars
Just a few hours ago, the space agency shared what is already considered as the most detailed panorama ever taken on the red planet. According to NASA through a statement, the more than 1,200 photos that make up the image were taken between November 24 and December 1 of last year with the camera Mast of the rover. However, and given the complexity of mounting the panorama, it was not until this week that it was released.
–
Click on the photo to see the image in real size. / NASA
As the space agency has announced through a statement, the photograph has a resolution of 1.8 billion pixels. A resolution that allows us to enjoy even the smallest detail of the extraterrestrial surface. From its plains to its mountains. Specifically, the panorama shows the unexplored region Glen Torrion. After Thanksgiving, and since it did not have much work to do, the robot headed to this region to take pictures until the Earth team returned.
This is how he took the photograph
To take this historic photograph, Curiosity needed more than six and a half hours spread over four days. A space of time in which he would take thousands of photographs from different shots to take what is already considered the most detailed panorama of the planet. From it you can also see some corners of Mars such as Gale crater, Mount Sharp or Vera Rubin Ridge. Also several slopes, accompanied by other mountains, where we can see the tracks of the rover.
Enjoy the 360 degree panorama. / Youtube
–
After obtaining this photograph, the researcher Ashwin Vasavada, one of the members of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, praised the work of the robot: “While many team members were at home enjoying the turkey, Curiosity held a feast for the eyes. ”
–
–
