Panoramic Mars photo

By Chloe Albanesius in the USA:

Opportunity Rover Captures Panoramic Shot of Mars

July 9, 2012 01:40pm EST

NASA last week released a panoramic image of Mars comprised of more than 800 photos taken by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity.

The shots were captured by Opportunity’s panoramic camera (Pancam) and shows the terrain around the rim of ancient Endeavour crater, where the rover spent its latest Martian winter. The image includes Opportunity’s solar arrays and deck in the foreground, which NASA said provides “a sense of sitting on top of the rover and taking in the view.”

The 817 images used to create the panorama (click left for full image) were taken between Dec. 21, 2011 and May 8, 2012 in the Mars region known as “Greeley Haven.”

The panorama is viewable on the Jet Propulsion Lab’s website. “It is presented in false color to emphasize differences between materials in the scene,” NASA said.

Ever wondered what it is like to stand on Mars? Find out with our 360 degree interactive panorama: here.