For the last 20 years , the orbiter Mars Odyssey has patrolled theRed Planet , transmitting data back toNASAso scientists can flesh out their understanding of Mars ’s enigma . To celebrate the anniversary of its launching particular date on April 7 , 2001 , NASAreleaseda breathtaking image of George Sand dune that avail demonstrate what Odyssey has been up to and why it ’s authoritative .
The range of a function above is a complex of photos captured by Odyssey ’s Thermal Emission Imaging System , or THEMIS , between December 2002 and November 2004 . The camera does n’t just take snapshots — it also registers the temperature of the landscape . This agency , scientist can distinguish between unlike materials on the surface of Mars ( like sand , rock and roll , or salt ) base on temperature . When they map out itinerary for future visitors , rovers and humans likewise , they ’ll do it which area are grievous or resource - rich . “ It ’s hard to overstate how the THEMIS worldwide mapping has filled gaps in our cognition , ” Laura Kerber , an Odyssey surrogate undertaking scientist wreak at NASA ’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory , explainedin a NASA feature film .
In real lifespan , the windswept sand dune around Mars ’s northerly polar cap are dark . In the look-alike , however , they ’re depicted with colors that correspond to temperature . The tops of the dune , wake by the sun , look orangish ; the bluish or blue - gray blot are much cold . And while the flick only shows a 19 - mil - wide section of the planet , the whole sand dune - covered terrain in that neighborhood stretches across an arena of land about the size of it of Texas .
Mars Odyssey is currently the longest - manoeuvre space vehicle Mars has ever image — and it ’s not hanging up its chapeau ( or thermal imaging camera ) yet . you could learn more about themissionand its contributionshere .
