NASA Perseverance Rover Sends First Panoramic Views

It is too early to say we have learned anything about the Red Planet, but for a start, we have got the first panoramic views to marvel at. What you see here is the first 360-degree panorama taken by Perseverance’s zoomable pair of cameras called Mastcam-Z.

The panorama image was stitched together on Earth from 142 individual images captured on Sol 3, the third Martian day of the mission on February 21, 2021 since its landing on the 18th.

“Mastcam-Z is a dual-camera system equipped with a zoom function, allowing the cameras to zoom in, focus, and take high-definition video, as well as panoramic color and 3D images of the Martian surface. With this capability, the robotic astrobiologist can provide a detailed examination of both close and distant objects.”

The cameras are the eyes of scientists on Mars which will allow scientists to assess the geological history and atmospheric conditions of Jezero Crater. The cameras will also aid in identifying rocks and sediment worthy of a closer look by the rivers other instruments.

The images will also enable the mission team to determine which rocks the rover should sample and collect for eventual return to Earth in future. You can take in the image in all its 360-degree glory on NASA’s website where you can control the view, moving it left, right, up, and zoom in and out. Enjoy!

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Oh, if anyone’s interested, there’s a guided “tour” around the first hi-def 360-degree view of Jezero Crater embedded below too.

Images: NASA.