Re: [APML] OT: Mars Images

[Chuck Vaughn <aa6g@aa6g.org>]

Hi Jim,

I don't know if you read about the filters they are using to image but 
the Pan Cam filters are referred to as "geologic filters."  This is why 
the wavelengths of the filters don't really match the representative 
RGB wavelengths. They were chosen to highlight certain minerals that 
they expected to find there. The left side of the camera has the 
visible light filters and the right side has the IR filters with each 
side having a 753nm and a 433nm filter for stereo imaging. Images from 
these filters were used to make the early "color" panoramic images they 
released.

They've taken hundreds of photos of the sundial to see how the colors 
change throughout the Martian day. I'm sure that helps them 
characterize the atmosphere.

I think you're right about the intent of the mission. It's really a 
geology mission. Looking for signs of water is just one of the many 
possible explanations for the formation of the rocks they are looking 
at.

Chuck

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