Credit & Copyright: F. Colas
/
J.L. Dauvergne /
G. Dovillaire /
T. Legault /
G. Blanchard / B. Gaillard / D. Baratoux / A, Klotz / S2P / IMCCE / OMP / Imagine Optic
Explanation:
This may be the best global Mars map made with a telescope based on
planet Earth.
The image data were captured by a team of observers over six long nights
at the Pic du Midi mountaintop observatory
between October 8 and November 1,
when the
fourth rock from the
Sun
had not wandered far from its 2020
opposition and its biggest and brightest appearance in Earth's night sky.
The large telescope used, 1 meter in diameter with a 17 meter focal length,
was also used in support of NASA's Apollo lunar landing missions.
After about 30 hours of processing, the data were combined
to produced this remarkably sharp projected view of the martian surface
extending to about 45 degrees northern latitude.
The image data have also been mapped onto a
rotating sphere
and
rotating stereo,
views.
Fans of Mars can easily pick out their favorite markings on the Red Planet
by eyeing a labeled version of this
global map of Mars.
G. Blanchard / B. Gaillard / D. Baratoux / A, Klotz / S2P / IMCCE / OMP / Imagine Optic
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: Mars
Publications with words: Mars
See also: