Curiosity's First Long-Range & Panoramic Images

 

         

 

First full-resolution (1024 by 1024 pixels) long-range image of the Martian surface from one of the Navigation cameras on NASA’s Curiosity rover, which are located on the rover’s “head” or mast. The rim of Gale Crater can be seen in the distance beyond the pebbly ground. The topography of the rim is very mountainous due to erosion. The ground seen in the middle shows low-relief scarps and plains. The foreground shows two distinct zones of excavation likely carved out by blasts from the rover’s descent stage thrusters. 

First 360-degree panoramic view from NASA’s Curiosity rover below, taken with the Navigation cameras. Most of the tiles are thumbnails, or small copies of the full-resolution images that have not been sent back to Earth yet. Two of the tiles near the center are full-resolution. Mount Sharp is to the right, and the north Gale Crater rim can be seen at center. The rover’s body is in the foreground, with the shadow of its head, or mast, poking up to the right. 

 

          

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Image credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Comments

[richard]

I don't understand why nasa always blur pictures in certain areas?

[richard]

Any sign of aliens? Lol

[Knize10]

El cheapo imaging system and processing.

[Roderick Gouin]

One wonders what actual colors would be displayed? Digital satellite transmission, with amazing bandwidth I would expect, and we only get b/w pics? Children on earth get better digital cameras at Wally mart world for $10.00. I will assume for now we are not seeing color pictures due to the green plant life we are not to see. I am just a little skeptical on that release of info any time soon. A few folks would freak but the world will not go crazy if they find out there is life elsewhere. Stupid politicians in charge again I presume.

[ClaudeB]

Different camera for different tasks. Navigation needs fast and dirty, thus black&white images. Colour will come later i presume. They first have to edit the buildings from Barsoom out. ;)