NASA reveals unique shots of Mars and its moon from unusual angle
Orbiter captures Mars Horizon (Illustrative photo: Freepik)
The orbital spacecraft Mars Odyssey captured photos of the curved Martian horizon and also took images of Mars' moon Phobos, writes ScienceAlert.
Stunning Mars Images NASA's spacecraft Mars Odyssey took the photos using the THEMIS television camera from an altitude of 400 km above the planet's surface. The International Space Station is at the same altitude above Earth. Thanks to these images, scientists were able to see the horizon of Mars.
NASA notes that no Martian orbital spacecraft has taken such photos of the Red Planet's horizon before.
It should be added that the Mars Odyssey spacecraft has been studying the Red Planet for 22 years. The new images reveal the curvature of the planet's surface hidden beneath layers of clouds and dust. These shots will aid in the study of Martian clouds, which form from water ice and frozen carbon dioxide.
Horizon of Mars (Photo: NASA)
Mars' moon Phobos (Photo: NASA)
To obtain these images, NASA scientists had to adjust the position of the THEMIS camera by 90 degrees so that it could capture the horizon of Mars. Typically, the camera is directed towards the planet's surface.
The images of Mars' moon, Phobos, are also crucial for scientists. Thanks to these images, astronomers have gained information about temperature changes on its surface and other physical properties.
NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter (Photo: NASA)
During the several hours the orbital spacecraft captured unique images of Mars, communication with Earth was interrupted due to the unusual position of Mars Odyssey.
Earlier, we wrote about NASA sending names of all interested individuals into space - how to submit yours.
Also, read about the enormous Devil's Comet approaching Earth.
