14 May 2004

The Latest from Mars

Forrest M. Mims III

NASA's new animation allows you to drive its two rovers across the surface of Mars. Shown here is the Opportunity rover headed away from its lander as it follows the mouse-controlled arrow at right. Click image to enlarge.

Roger Gilbertson has a very interesting article in this installment of The Citizen Scientist. In "Measuring Dust on the Red Planet: Muscle Wires On Mars," Roger provides the background behind a cleverly designed experiment that was installed on the Sojourner rover, which explored Mars in 1997. The experiment provided the first high quality measurements of dust accumulation on the martian surface.

Roger's article provides an opening to mention some major design changes NASA has made to its Mars web site at www.nasa.gov. Now, in addition to viewing any of the thousands of images returned to Earth by the rovers Spirit and Opportunity, visitors can drive a simulated rover across the surface of Mars.

The trip begins with the selected rover perched on its lander. You move the rover by using the mouse to adjust the position of an arrow on the screen. The rover follow the arrow obediently while leaving behind realistic tracks in the sand. You can drive circles and other patterns that leave behind tracks just like those shown in some of the Mars photos.

As the rover approaches various rocks, a circle flashes over certain ones. Clicking on the circle brings up a photograph of the rock and a description.

This new feature is fun to explore and provides a completely new perspective on the current Mars missions. You'll need a high-speed link for this, and if you don't have one it's worth a visit to a library or other place where one is available.

If you bring children, prepare to wait in line. This interactive site just might keep them occupied for quite some time.