NASA’s Perseverance rover captured a new high-definition panoramic view of Mars’ Jezero Crater. The shot is fantastic, and it shows a great deal of Martian ground.
Thanks to the rover’s Mastcam-Z, a dual-camera system equipped with an advanced zoom feature, we get a full picture of the landing site. The region looks surreal, and we can only wonder: how will Perseverance survive there?
Here is what you need to know.
Jezero Crater in Full Glory
NASA equipped Perseverance with one of the most advanced devices and systems. The rover’s camera, dubbed Mastcam-Z, features a zoom that allows the shooters to zoom in, focus and capture high-definition photos of Mars’ surface.
The best part is that the camera can offer a detailed analysis of distant and close objects.
New view, more data
The new panoramic view comprises 142 images and offers more data about Perseverance’s new home.
We can see the cliff face and the crater rim of an ancient river delta thanks to the camera’s system. You can admire the full view, in colour, below:
Jim Bell is the instrument’s principal investigator at Arizona State University’s School of Earth and Space Exploration. He stated:
“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.”
Mastcam-Z’s system can unveil details as small as 0.1 to 0.2 inches across near Perseverance and 6.5 to 10 feet over distant slopes.Â
The photo below shows a Martian ground, similar to pictures shot by previous missions:
Mastcam-Z’s goal
The camera will help scientists evaluate the atmospheric and geologic history conditions of Mars’ Jezero Crater. It will also help pinpoint sediment and rocks worthy of examining.
However, Mastcam-Z’s main goal is to help scientists decide which rocks Perseverance should collect and bring back to Earth.Â