These guys are publishing these images faster than I can blog!
This image shows the horizon. This is again a very flat region, but there is interesting patterning on the surface. Perhaps this is due to freezing/thawing mechanisms.
Here is the link to the incoming images at the Phoenix Mission site.
Enjoy!
Kevin Knuth
Albany NY
Posted under Astrobiology, Astronomy, Exploration, Mars, Robotics, Space, Uncategorized
This post was written by drknuth on May 25, 2008
Here is the first image back from Phoenix.
It is an image of the footpad. Clearly, the proble has landed on a level surface. No obvious sign of ice… yet?
Kevin Knuth
Albany NY
Posted under Astrobiology, Astronomy, Exploration, Robotics, Space
This post was written by drknuth on May 25, 2008
At 4:53:44 p.m. Pacific Time (7:53:44 p.m. Eastern Time) NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory received radio signals from the Mars Phoenix Lander confirming that it survived its landing in the north polar region of Mars.
The probe enters the Martian atmosphere at about 78 miles above the surface and begins decelerating from its space cruise velocity of 12,500 miles per hour down to Mach 1.7 (1.7 times the speed of sound) when its parachute deployed. The parachute is jettisoned at 1 km above the surface when the probe fires its rocket thrusters to decelerate it further until it reaches either 12 meters altitude or a speed of 5 miles per hour. At this point the rocket engines stop and the probe drops to the surface.
Above is an artist’s conception.
I cant wait to see how it really will look!
Tomorrow…
Check the Phoenix Mission Site for updates!
Kevin Knuth
Albany NY
Posted under Astrobiology, Astronomy, Exploration, Mars, Robotics, Space
This post was written by drknuth on May 25, 2008
Alex Wild, a biologist at the University of Arizona, has a blog on insects, photography and life. He has an excellent article on tricks and tips for keeping ants relatively still while photographing them in their natural surroundings and while performing natural behaviors.
Kevin Knuth
Albany NY
Posted under Biology, Ecology, Photography
This post was written by drknuth on May 3, 2008
