Mariner 6 Far-Encounter View of the South Polar Cap

Author

Preview

Title - Alternative

Mariner 6 Views of the Martian South Polar Cap

Keywords

Aeronautics, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Mariner 6, Mars, NASA, South Polar Cap

Photo Description

Enlarged view of the South Polar Cap of Mars seen in Mariner VI far-encounter pictures. These pictures (Mariner VI #18 and #28) show much fine detail at the edge of the cap and within it. The north boundary is remarkably sharp, but irregular in shape. This irregularity could be due to topographic relief. A striking feature of these pictures is the invisibility of the cap at the edge of the planet. This obscuration is more severe toward the morning terminator. The somewhat wedge-shaped appearance is similar at all longitudes, for example, these two pictures taken over 90 degrees apart both show it. If an instrumental origin for this effect can be eliminated, this suggests that the darkening toward the limb and terminator might be caused by absorption of light in the atmosphere of Mars. A similar effect is seen on Earth in the dimming of the setting sun, particularly when the air is hazy. In spite of this possible indication of atmospheric absorption, the Martian atmosphere is believed to be generally more transparent than our own.

Publication Date

7-1969

Format

image/jpeg

Number of Images

2

Side of Image

Front of Image

Publisher

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Original Size

8" x 10"

Identifier

DP0057524-0071a

NASA Photo Number

69-H-1297

Photo Credit

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Location

John C. Hitt Library

Department

Special Collections & University Archives

Collection

Official NASA Photographs, Vol. 1, October 10, 1960 - July 24, 1969

Call Number

SC 010

Digital Production Specifications

Digitized by the University of Central Florida Libraries, Digital Initiatives Unit. Jpeg images were derived from no less than 600 dpi tiffs scanned on a Copibook scanner.

Use and Reproduction

This image is posted publicly for non-profit educational uses, excluding printed publication. For permission to reproduce images and/or for copyright information, contact Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, FL 32816, (407) 823-2576.

Additional Rights Statement

This photograph is a government publication – not subject to copyright.

Recommended Citation

"Mariner 6 Far-Encounter View of the South Polar Cap" (1969). Official NASA Photographs, Vol. 1, October 10, 1960 - July 24, 1969. 71.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/nasa-photographs-volume-1/71