But we now live in a completely different time. More space probes are flying to Mars regularly. Some of them have been observing the planet’s surface from orbit for years, others are landing on the surface, delivering landers, rovers or drones there. Everything indicates that we are inevitably approaching the stage in which the first human will land on the surface of Mars. However, before that happens, we need to take a closer look at the surface of Mars, analyze thousands of images and find a suitable place for such a landing. Therefore, we need a comprehensive and accurate map of Mars on which potential sites can be evaluated in terms of landing safety, scientific value or extraction of raw materials.
The latest comprehensive map of Mars It was prepared by scientists from New York University in Abu Dhabi based on data and images sent to Earth by the first Mars probe sent by specialists from the United Arab Emirates towards the Red Planet. Of course, we are talking about the Hope Probe, which has been orbiting Mars since 2021.
The Hope Probe was launched into space on July 20, 2020 from a Japanese spaceport, and after seven months of travel, it entered orbit around Mars on February 9, 2021.
Read also: The Hope Probe entered Mars orbit. Success of the first mission for the United Arab Emirates
Although this was the first Emirati attempt to place any probe into orbit around a planet other than Earth, the probe’s makers wanted its mission to achieve tangible scientific benefits. The instruments installed on board the probe allowed, among other things, to take high-quality images of the planet’s surface.
The EXI (Emirates Exploration Photographer) captured many images during its mission. However, astronomers used 3,000 of them to create a complete map of Mars. Researchers say it will support preparations for a manned Mars mission by providing valuable information about geography, climate and resources in different parts of the world.
Indeed, data from this particular map has been applied in the US Mars 24 program, to measure time on Mars, and in JMARS, a publicly available database that scientists use to plan various space missions.
However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that this is certainly not the only existing map of Mars, as the first maps were created at the end of the nineteenth century. More, just A few months ago, astronomers from the California Institute of Technology It has published a map based on a stunning 110,000 images taken from orbit by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Each pixel in this map corresponds to just a 25-meter square on the surface of Mars, making it the most precise and accurate global map of Mars to date.
Echo Richards embodies a personality that is a delightful contradiction: a humble musicaholic who never brags about her expansive knowledge of both classic and contemporary tunes. Infuriatingly modest, one would never know from a mere conversation how deeply entrenched she is in the world of music. This passion seamlessly translates into her problem-solving skills, with Echo often drawing inspiration from melodies and rhythms. A voracious reader, she dives deep into literature, using stories to influence her own hardcore writing. Her spirited advocacy for alcohol isn’t about mere indulgence, but about celebrating life’s poignant moments.
