Nature Photography on �Mars!

[richard_coyle]

The subject may be a bit off for this group but I though that some of

you might be interested in some of the digital camera technology

contained in the Mars Rover. Like many nature photographers, �Spirit�

has brought along multiple cameras for the trip, 9 to be precise,

where each digital camera is dedicated to performing a specific

mission function.

 

There are four fixed location hazard avoidance cameras directly

mounted to the rover body. Each B/W camera supports 120 degrees of

view (wide angle lens).

 

There are two navigation cameras mounted on the Panoramic Camera Mast

Assembly (PMA). Each B/W camera supports 45 degrees of view (normal

lens).

 

There is one Microscopic Imager located on the end of the rover�s

robotic arm (macro lens).

 

There are two monochromatic panoramic camera�s located on the top of

the PMA. The camera's two eyes sit approximately 12 inches apart, and

5 feet above ground level on the rover's mast. Each camera supports 16

degrees of view. Each camera lens contains an 8-position filter wheel

that provides a multi-spectral imaging capability. There are 15 unique

filter combinations to provide full color imaging in addition to a

broad range of spectral imaging.

 

A color and grayscale calibration target is located on the top rear of

the rover to allow scientist to calibrate the color and brightness for

picture perfect images of the Martian landscape.

 

The sensor resolution for the CCD Panoramic Cameras is limited to 1024

x 1024 pixels, which is not all that high when compared to today�s

high-end digital SLRs. Where the Panoramic Cameras shine is in their

capability to generate large panoramic images. Panoramic images can be

produced using up to 96 separate frames per image (4 frames high by 24

frames wide). A resulting color image would be on the order of 302

Mega pixels in size.

 

That�s not too shabby for images taken 123.5 million miles away!

 

For additional information:

 

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/index.html

 

http://athena.cornell.edu/

[gauthier]

You might want to see the first Spirit <a href="http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/press/spirit/20040104a/PIA04980_br.jpg">360 degree panoramic view</a> of the Gusev crater this morning. It's hastily stitched from several B&W images, but more will follow.

[awahlster]

AWESOME I just love it when a plan comes together!!!

[nathan_cohen]

It is important to realize that several of the methods we actively use today--and are being used on Spirit-- were first used in a big way 28 years ago--on Mars pix. This was Project Viking; part of its legacy is our pleasure today (these cameras were created at MITRE and the processing was done at JPL's imaging processing Lab (IPL)).

 

Those images, as these, were/are scanned and take forever to gather. There is no 'color' per se, but intensity sensors filtered at various color frequencies--hence the need for the aforementioned filters.

 

You can DO color photography this way from B&W film and layering--but I wouldn't recommend it!

[nathan_cohen]

We now have several days of Martian photos from Spirit, and I must admit I am very disappointed. First, the 'terrain' is extremely boring, and the rock field tells nothing, based upon the images, of the nature of the area (alluvial?). The images are of some interest, but do not convey any more, and actually a lot less, than captured from 1976-1980 with the Viking landers. There is little science to be had to date from these images, and as well, entertainment, we must accept that we have seen the facsimile to this before, in fact before many PN'ers were born!

 

Nontheless, expeditions to Mars have potential value, and it is far too early to comment about the scientific value derived. There may well be some cool pix ahead, and here's hoping!

 

Photographically, a Martian sunset/sunrise would be nice to have, but I doubt it can be done (well), given the long exposure times needed with that imaging system. Of course, I would crave a dynamic landscape! If a Martian wanders through...well, we'd not even require a release!

[richardcook]

http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/technology/pancam_techwed_040114.html

 

may be interesting to some...