Explore Mars’ Surface in Interactive 360-Degree Video
On February 18 (on the Earth calendar), NASA’s Perseverance rover touched down on the surface of Mars. Lots of us tuned in to watch the awe-inspiring event, thanks to the live feed that the agency provided. Now, NASA has offered up another intriguing look at Mars from the perspective of our tiny robot friend. A new interactive video scanning the planet’s surface comes courtesy of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; you can adjust the vantage point of the camera across a 360-degree range to explore the vast Marsness surrounding Perseverance. Take a look:
Just as you may have predicted: Mars, Mars, and more Mars! Naturally, the video doesn’t show off too much variety vis-à-vis the Perseverance’s immediate vicinity. But I defy anyone to shrug off this opportunity to explore even a small patch of our neighboring planet. (Plus, you can’t deny the thrill of half-expecting something mysterious to pop up in the distance.) Theoretically, the video only runs for a minute. But if you pause it, you can toggle the camera around for as long as you’d like.
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Good news for those just as excited by space tech as they are by alien planets. You can tilt the camera towards the Perseverance rover itself to check out its makeup. I can’t make heads or tails of its gadgets, but I’m sure there’s plenty to learn from a once-over.
This is just the latest piece of material that NASA and co. have released; if we keep our eyes on the night’s sky (or, well, the internet), I bet we’ll see more before long. In less than a week, little Perseverance has wowed us plenty. Here’s hoping its life on Mars is filled with great discoveries, enchanting footage, and no shortage of wonder. Thanks for thrilling us, Percy; have a great sol.
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