spacetoday.net: NASA shows off color images from Spirit

Posted: Wed, Jan 7, 2004, 12:04 AM ET (0504 GMT)
First color image from Spirit rover (NASA/JPL)

Scientists showed off Tuesday the first color images taken by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit, calling the images the sharpest ever taken of the planet. A dozen color images of the surface surrounding the landing site were combined into a single mosaic revealed at a press conference Tuesday; the mosaic forms just one-eighth of a 360-degree panorama that will be completed over the next several days. The images are the highest-resolution photos taken of the Mars surface, beating the images from the Mars Pathfinder mission by a factor of three. The images show a "wonderful mix" of smooth and angular rocks, according to one scientist; the forces that shaped these rocks, such as wind erosion, are something scientists said they will have to figure out over the coming weeks. The rover will remain atop the lander until at least January 12, project engineers said, adding that the rover is working well other than some minor electrical spikes and warmer-than-expected temperatures. The rover team also received a call from President Bush, who congratulated them on their successful mission.