Waspie_Dwarf Posted April 8, 2006 #1 Share Posted April 8, 2006 (edited) The Exploration of Mars- Mars Odyssey The original "Exploration of Mars" topic became excessively long. As a result the topic has been split into individual, mission based, topics. The "Exploration of Mars" topic is now for news and discoveries not specific to any one mission. Links to the other topics can be found below: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mars Exploration Rovers Mars Express Mars Global Surveyor Mars Phoenix Lander Exploration of Mars Waspie_Dwarf---------------------------- 2001 Mars Odyssey Turns 5 04.07.06 Five years after leaving Florida for Mars, NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft is still orbiting the red planet, collecting scientific data and relaying communications from NASA's two Mars rovers to Earth. Images such as this spectacular, color view of sun-bathed, layered escarpments and wind-scalloped, basalt dunes in the solar system's largest canyon continue to beckon space explorers and guide the way for future missions. Basaltic dunes are common on Mars but rare on Earth. Rounded knobs and mesas on the canyon floor are reminiscent of desert geology in the southwestern U.S. A team led by Phil Christensen, principal investigator for Odyssey's cameras at Arizona State University, Jim Bell at Cornell University, and space artist Don Davis created this panorama. They added color to radiance files from the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), a camera on Odyssey that takes images in both the visible and infrared parts of the spectrum. They correlated the radiance - intensity of reflected sunlight - with that of other color images from Mars and mimimized the effects of residual scattered light in the images. In addition to producing images such as this, Mars Odyssey has made global observations of Martian climate, geology, and mineralogy. The spacecraft's Gamma Ray Spectrometer has allowed scientists to make maps of the elemental distribution of hydrogen, silicon, iron, potassium, thorium, and chlorine on the Martian surface. A global map of minerals associated with water, essential to life as we know it, guided NASA in its selection of Meridiani Planum, the landing site for NASA's Opportunity rover, an area rich in hematite. Odyssey is currently supporting landing site selection for the Phoenix Scout Mission, to be launched in 2007, using data showing that surface areas near the poles of Mars consist of more than 50 percent water ice by volume. Other Odyssey accomplishments include measurement of radiation, a prerequisite for future human exploration because of its potential health effects, and a groundbreaking program in education outreach that has allowed students to take pictures of Mars and conduct scientific investigations with cameras on Odyssey. Mars Odyssey was launched April 7, 2001 on a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and reached Mars on October 24, 2001. Odyssey employed a technique called "aerobraking" that used the atmosphere of Mars to slow down and gradually bring the spacecraft closer to Mars with each orbit. Odyssey's science mapping mission began in February 2002. The primary science mission continued through August 2004. Odyssey is currently in its extended mission. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/Cornell/Don Davis Source: NASA - Mars - Missions Edited March 30, 2007 by Waspie_Dwarf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted August 22, 2006 Author #2 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Polar DunesLocation: 83.6N,120.3E Released: 2006-08-21 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 20.4x71.9 km, 512x1824 px Resolution: 40mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. Dune fields are common within the north polar region.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted August 22, 2006 Author #3 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Channel "Flow"Location: 39.5N,33.8E Released: 2006-08-22 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 19.4x68.5 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 19mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. The odd pattern on the floor of this channel suggests that a volitile such as ice played a part in its formation.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted August 23, 2006 Author #4 Share Posted August 23, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Polar MarginLocation: 81.1N,299.2E Released: 2006-08-23 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 20.4x72.0 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 20mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. The unusual surface pattern exists at the margin of the north polar layered deposit.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted August 24, 2006 Author #5 Share Posted August 24, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Arcuate FracturesLocation: 2.0N,172.1E Released: 2006-08-24 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 18.1x64.1 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 18mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. The arcuate fractures seen in this image are common along the highland/lowland boundary.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted August 25, 2006 Author #6 Share Posted August 25, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission YardangsLocation: 10.2N,182.6E Released: 2006-08-25 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 18.0x63.5 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 18mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. Wind action in the Medusae Fossae region is creating yardangs in the easily eroded material.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted August 28, 2006 Author #7 Share Posted August 28, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission ChannelLocation: 37.8N,19.7E Released: 2006-08-28 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 19.4x68.5 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 19mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. This interesting tributary channel is located in the Deuteronilus region of Mars.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted August 29, 2006 Author #8 Share Posted August 29, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission ChannelLocation: 0.9N,0.6E Released: 2006-08-29 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 18.2x64.3 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 18mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. This image shows a small part of Meridiani Planum, the site of the Opportunity Rover.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted August 30, 2006 Author #9 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission ChannelLocation: 1.3N,173.4E Released: 2006-08-30 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 18.1x64.1 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 18mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. This region of arcuate fractures and chaos development on the highland/lowland boundary is called Avernus Colles.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted August 31, 2006 Author #10 Share Posted August 31, 2006 (edited) Mars Odyssey Mission Sulci GordiiLocation: 18.6N,233.8E Released: 2006-08-31 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 18.6x66.0 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 18mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. These ridges and channeled lows are part of Sulci Gordii.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Edited September 1, 2006 by Waspie_Dwarf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 1, 2006 Author #11 Share Posted September 1, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Alluvial FansLocation: 22.5N,292.0E Released: 2006-09-01 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 18.8x66.5 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 18mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. The alluvial fans on the north side of this channel possibly represent the most recent activity in Kasei Valles.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 4, 2006 Author #12 Share Posted September 4, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Utopia PlanitiaLocation: 39.2N,107.6E Released: 2006-09-04 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 19.4x68.7 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 19mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. This unusual surface texture is found in Utopia Planitia.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 5, 2006 Author #13 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Ejecta RemainsLocation: -7.0N,173.8E Released: 2006-09-05 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 18.0x63.7 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 18mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. Only a portion of the ejecta remains around this crater. Wind action is creating yardangs and stripping off the surface materials in this region. The margin of Apollinaris Patera is at the bottom 1/3 of the frame.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 6, 2006 Author #14 Share Posted September 6, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Pit CraterLocation: 16.7N,350.0E Released: 2006-09-06 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 18.7x66.1 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 18mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. This crater with a central pit is located in Arabia Terra.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 7, 2006 Author #15 Share Posted September 7, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Medusa Fossae FormationLocation: -1.6N,218.4E Released: 2006-09-07 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 18.1x63.9 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 18mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. The materials that make up the Medusa Fossae Formation are easily eroded by the wind. Over the millenia the wind has sculpted the surface into new textures.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 8, 2006 Author #16 Share Posted September 8, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Phlegra MontesLocation: 45.6N,168.7E Released: 2006-09-08 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 19.7x69.6 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 19mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. These small hills and surrounding debris aprons are called Phlegra Montes.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 11, 2006 Author #17 Share Posted September 11, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Ejecta TextureLocation: 35.7N,284.7E Released: 2006-09-11 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 19.4x68.4 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 19mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. The ejecta surrounding this crater in Tempe Terra has an unusual texture that appears to contain small channels and fractures.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 12, 2006 Author #18 Share Posted September 12, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Arabia TerraLocation: 26.7N,341.0E Released: 2006-09-12 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 19.1x67.6 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 19mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. This region of Arabia Terra has several different layers of material exposed. These layers occur at the highland/lowland boundary.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 13, 2006 Author #19 Share Posted September 13, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Aram ChaosLocation: 3.8N,339.0E Released: 2006-09-13 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 18.4x64.9 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 18mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. Aram Chaos contains several layers of fill material.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 14, 2006 Author #20 Share Posted September 14, 2006 (edited) Mars Odyssey Mission Olympus MonsLocation: 18.0N,226.7E Released: 2006-09-14 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 18.8x66.5 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 18mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. This image shows a portion of the summit caldera of Olympus Mons.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Edited September 15, 2006 by Waspie_Dwarf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 15, 2006 Author #21 Share Posted September 15, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Hydaspis ChaosLocation: 5.3N,329.9E Released: 2006-09-15 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 18.5x65.6 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 18mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. This region of small hills and chaos is called Hydaspis Chaos.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 18, 2006 Author #22 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Tithonium ChasmaLocation: -4.6N,274.5E Released: 2006-09-18 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 18.3x64.6 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 18mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. Several landslides are visible in this image of Thithomium Chasma.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 19, 2006 Author #23 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Eroded EjectaLocation: 17.0N,18.9E Released: 2006-09-19 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 18.9x66.9 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 18mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. Only the most resistant portions of this crater's ejecta remain.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 20, 2006 Author #24 Share Posted September 20, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Unusual TextureLocation: 33.9N,223.4E Released: 2006-09-20 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 19.4x68.7 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 19mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. This image of a region east of Acheron Fossae shows an unusual texture - with bumps and old stabilized dunes.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 21, 2006 Author #25 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Mars Odyssey Mission Polar MarginLocation: -78.5N,116.4E Released: 2006-09-21 Instrument: VIS Image Size: 17.6x62.2 km, 1024x3648 px Resolution: 17mImage Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Click on picture for high resolution image. Layers of ice are easily seen in this image of the margin of the South Polar cap.Source: THEMIS - Mars Odyssey Mission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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