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NASA releases 360-degree panorama of Mars

WION Web Team
New DelhiUpdated: Feb 27, 2021, 04:27 PM IST
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Perseverance rover on the surface of Mars Photograph:(Reuters)

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The panorama was taken by the mast of the rover that is equipped with dual, zoomable cameras that can take high-def video and images

US space agency NASA released a brilliant panoramic view on Wednesday of the landing site of the Perseverance rover on Mars. The panorama shows the rim of the Jezero Crater. Perseverance landed at the crator last week. Cliff face of an ancient river delta is visible in the panorama as well.

The panorama was taken by the mast of the rover that is equipped with dual, zoomable cameras that can take high-def video and images.

"We're nestled right in a sweet spot, where you can see different features similar in many ways to features found by Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity at their landing sites," said Jim Bell of Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration.

Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity were previous missions to Mars.

NASA said the rover's cameras will help scientists assess the geologic history and atmospheric conditions of Jezero Crater and identify rocks and sediment worthy of a closer examination and collection for eventual return to Earth.

On Monday, the US space agency released the first audio from Mars, a faint crackling recording of a gust of wind captured by the rover's microphone.

NASA also released video of the landing of the rover, which is on a mission to search for signs of past life on the Red Planet.

(With AFP inputs)