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Mars Global Surveyor Mars Orbiter Camera Release: MOC2-4
Mars Global Surveyor Mars Orbiter Camera Image ID: 556557746.51
Caption
This Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) picture shows the Elysium region of
Mars as it appeared from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft on
on August 20, 1997. At the time, MGS was 5.57 million kilometers
(3.46 million miles) and 22 days from Mars, and the picture has a
resolution is about 20.8 km per picture element. Mars, 6800 km (4200
mile) in diameter, is about 327 pixels across. North is at the top of
the image. The camera was pointed at the center of the planet (near
the dark, morning sunrise line, or terminator) at 23.6° N,
217.4° W. At this distance from Mars, only atmospheric phenomena
(clouds and fogs) and bright and dark markings resulting from
variations in the amount and thickness of dust and sand are usually
visible. However, in this view the shading of the relief of the three
Elysium volcanoes (from north to south Hector Tholus, Elysium Mons,
and Albor Tholus) can be seen owing to their position close to the
terminator. Elysium Mons, the center-most volcano, is estimated to be
12,000-14,000 meters (39,000 to 46,000 feet) high.
Mars Global Surveyor has been enroute to Mars since November 7, 1996
and arrives there on Thursday, September 11 around 6:30 PM PDT. The
spacecraft will use atmospheric drag to reduce the size of its orbit,
and will begin mapping operations in March 1998.
Malin Space Science Systems and the California Institute of Technology
were responsible for development of the Mars Observer and Mars Global
Surveyor cameras. MSSS operates the MOC from its facilities in San
Diego, CA, under contract to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
