Many of us will already be aware that we can explore space using the wonders of Google Earth. The ability to roam Mars on Google Earth was something that was introduced in 2009, but images were only available in low resolution.
Now, thanks to Context Camera (CTX) on Nasa’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter we are able to see the red planet in much more detail.
In addition to the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter there are four other active probes on or in orbit around Mars. This includes two orbiters and two rovers. This includes 2001 Mars Odyssey, Mars Express, Opportunity rover, and Curiosity rover.
The Curiosity rover is one of the more advanced probes and has already transmitted some intriguing information back to NASA. Curiosity was set down in the Gale Crater, which Google Earth users can zoom into for a 3D view.
Up until recently the mission controllers overseeing NASA’s Mars Curiosity rover mission had been working in shifts aligned with Martian time for the first 90 Mars days, or Sols, of the mission.
The start of the Sol is always changing relative to Earth time which meant the team’s start time for daily planning had to be moved a few hours later each week.
To view these fantastic images download Google Earth
Click on this icon in Google Earth to view Mars >>>
