Media Information

 
 
 
Collection:
NASA Planetary Photo Journal Collection
Title:
High-Resolution Mars Camera Test Image of Moon
Original Caption Released with Image:
This crescent view of Earth's Moon in infrared, blue-green, and red wavelengths comes from a camera test by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft on its way to Mars. The mission's High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera took the image on Sept. 8, 2005, while at a distance of about 10 million kilometers (6 million miles) from the Moon. The dark feature on the right is Mare Crisium. From that distance, the Moon would appear as a star-like point of light to the unaided eye. The three images of the Moon in different colors all look similar because the Moon has an overall grey color, but further processing will reveal the subtle color variations. The test verified the camera's focusing capability and provided an opportunity for calibration. The spacecraft's Context Camera and Optical Navigation Camera also performed as expected during the test.

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched on Aug. 12, 2005, is on course to reach Mars on March 10, 2006. After gradually adjusting the shape of its orbit for half a year, it will begin its primary science phase in November 2006. From the mission's planned science orbit about 300 kilometers (186 miles) above the surface of Mars, the high resolution camera will be able to discern features as small as one meter or yard across.
Image Credit:
NASA/JPL/University of Arizona
Produced By:
University of Arizona
Mission:
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO)
Spacecraft:
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO)
Target Name:
Moon
Is a satellite of:
Earth
Instrument:
HiRISE
Product Size:
410 samples x 443 lines
facet_what:
Moon
facet_what:
Earth
facet_what:
Mars
facet_what:
Opportunity
facet_what:
MRO
facet_what:
Optical Navigation Camera
facet_what:
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO)
facet_what:
High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE)
facet_what:
Navigation Camera (NC)
facet_where:
Mars
facet_where:
Arizona
facet_where:
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
facet_when:
November 2006
facet_when:
March 10, 2006
facet_when_year:
2006
Image #:
PIA08002
UID:
SPD-PHOTJ-PIA08002
orignial url:

High-Resolution Mars Camera Test Image of Moon