 |
| Image credit: ESA |
|
| 3D Screensaver of Mars |
Aug 26, 2004 - I know you all like pretty pictures on your desktop, so here's something that'll help fill your bottomless need for photos. The European Space Agency releases screensavers from time to time filled with photos taken by their spacecraft. This one's a little different, though, it's a screensaver that displays 3D images. In order to properly see the perspective in the photo, you need a pair of those 3D glasses... you know the paper ones with a red and blue lens that you can get at 3D movies or with some books.
Download the screensaver. - 1.4 MB
It's actually a good idea for you to keep a pair of these glasses on hand by your computer. Mars Express, Spirit and Opportunity can take pictures in stereo, so you can see a 3D view of what the Red Planet really looks like. You should be able to find a pair of glasses at your local bookstore. And here's a website that's giving away free 3D glasses.
Have fun,
Fraser Cain
Publisher
Universe Today |
|
|
|
 |
| Image credit: NASA |
|
| Recent Launch Demonstrates NASA Radar System |
| Aug 26, 2004 - Two radars installed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center tracked the recent launch of the Mercury-bound MESSENGER spacecraft, and demonstrated they can be of assistance when the space shuttle returns to flight next year. During the launch, the radars "saw" the rocket's nine solid rocket boosters separate, as well as the jettison of its first stage and payload fairing - they could even see pieces of ice falling away. This means that the radars will be able to track the space shuttle as it launches, and spot any debris that falls off, regardless of visibility, darkness or cloud cover. (Full Story) |
|
|
|
 |
| Image credit: NASA/JPL |
|
| Mars Odyssey Goes into Overtime |
| Aug 26, 2004 - NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft has now completed all of its assigned scientific duties, so controllers are letting it get some extra credit. The spacecraft was originally tasked with mapping the surface of Mars, and searching for various substances, including water - it found huge deposits of water ice just a few metres under the surface. Odyssey will now be continued to at least September 2006, giving controllers another Martian year (686 Earth days) to watch how the planet changes through the seasons. The spacecraft will also be able to assist the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, due to reach the planet in March, 2006. (Full Story) |
|
|
|
|