Pancam multispectral imaging results from the Opportunity Rover at Meridiani Planum
- Creators
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Bell, J. F., III
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Grotzinger, J.
Abstract
Panoramic Camera (Pancam) images from Meridiani Planum reveal a low-albedo, generally flat, and relatively rock-free surface. Within and around impact craters and fractures, laminated outcrop rocks with higher albedo are observed. Fine-grained materials include dark sand, bright ferric iron–rich dust, angular rock clasts, and millimeter-size spheroidal granules that are eroding out of the laminated rocks. Spectra of sand, clasts, and one dark plains rock are consistent with mafic silicates such as pyroxene and olivine. Spectra of both the spherules and the laminated outcrop materials indicate the presence of crystalline ferric oxides or oxyhydroxides. Atmospheric observations show a steady decline in dust opacity during the mission. Astronomical observations captured solar transits by Phobos and Deimos and time-lapse observations of sunsets.
Additional Information
© 2004 American Association for the Advancement of Science. Received 15 September 2004; accepted 15 October 2004. We extend our sincere gratitude to the many hundreds of people who have contributed to the success of the Pancam investigation. These include the many MER engineers, managers, and support staffers at JPL; engineers and researchers at many vendor organizations; students and support staff at Cornell University, USGS/Flagstaff, Washington University, and other institutions; image processing and visualization experts at JPL and NASA/Ames Research Center; and many of the co-investigators, collaborators, and associates on the Athena Science Team. We also extend special thanks to our families and loved ones for their patience and support during mission operations and throughout the many years leading up to our spectacular travels on Mars.Additional details
- Eprint ID
- 50624
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:20141021-132529413
- Created
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2014-10-21Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
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2021-11-10Created from EPrint's last_modified field
- Caltech groups
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences