MSL 360 Degree Panorama
This has to be one of the most amazing images of Mars that I’ve seen. Not because of the normal stuff, amazing depth, wonderful colours, but because this is a 360 degree panorama of Gale crater.
Here’s the link to the NASA/JPL image.
Enjoy.
On 26 November 2011, in the early hours of a Sunday morning, I gathered with a group of like minded space ‘nerds’ as a part of the CSIRO Tweetup weekend at the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex (CDSCC), to watch the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) launch event. Eventually, after what seemed like a very long countdown, an Atlas V rocket, with the MSL stowed safely, blasted its way into space, and commenced its long journey to Mars. We marvelled at the technology, shed a few tears, had a few celebratory drinks and headed back to our respective homes to join the real world.
CSIROTweetup Nov 2011 (Image Credit: Martin Ollman)
Forward 8 months and many of the same like minded space ‘nerds’ gathered at the CDSCC for their next space adventure. This time we were all there to watch the MSL land safely after it’s long journey. Or at least we hoped it would land safely. I took the day off work, packed the compulsory phones (a virtually pointless activity considering the CDSCC is strictly a radio quiet area), iPad, and camera. After a short drive we arrived at the complex. Early. A full 5 hours before the scheduled landing time. I’d waited 8 months for this event, and I wasn’t going to miss a moment!
So….. here we are, the new site is almost ready and now to test it out! Firstly I’m going to be talking about astronomy, aimed at amateurs, but the professional might find something interesting here also. In addition to astronomy I’ll be posting about space, space science, space programs (or lack of), and my own astro activities and observations. I’ll also be talking about astrophotography with a DSLR and the many frustrations I encounter in my quest to capture interesting images!
Enjoy!