If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like standing on Mars, NASA is giving you the opportunity.
The space agency released another 360° view of Mars as seen from the perspective of the Curiosity rover. But you get to control this new view yourself.
360° view of Mars (Desktop)
(Click here for a link to another panoramic mosaic you can zoom into and explore.)
While we often think of Mars as being dusty, it is also very rocky, which can be hazardous for a vehicle trundling around. And the Curiosity rover has just completed the most dangerous trip it has had since being on the surface.
Naukluft Plateau is covered in sandstone bedrock. Eons of wind erosion has created ridges with rough protrusions, making Curiosity’s voyage a tricky one. The wheels on the rover are constructed of aluminum and have already shown signs of wear and tear. In 2013, the Curiosity rover team began adjusting the rover’s route in order to reduce the chances of more damage.
READ MORE: SpaceX plans to send ‘Red Dragon’ capsule to Mars in 2018
So what are you looking at in the panorama?
First, there are the rocks of Naukluft Plateau. As Curiosity is currently in a crater — Gale Crater — you can also see the rim in the distance. And Mount Sharp, Curiosity’s long-term scientific research station, which lies in the centre of the crater, is the towering mountain in the distance.
Since arriving in 2012, Curiosity has travelled 12.7 km. It will now travel another 7.5 km to explore other sites of scientific interest.
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