Curiosity provides colour and 3D pictures of Mars

NASA has published the first colour picture of Mars taken by Curiosity, along with 3D photos.

Following its successful landing on the red planet, the rover Curiosity has transmitted its first colour photo of the environment it now finds itself in, with the aim of the robot being to see if the planet is capable of hosting life.

The picture can be seen on NASA’s website where it has also been superimposed onto a simulation of Mars’ environment. The photograph shows the north wall and the contour of the Gale crater where Curiosity landed after close to eight months travel through space.

While being dark due to the dust that has accumulated on the rover, it proves that the MAHLI microscope camera (Mars Hand Lens Imager) is in a good working state.

Other pictures have also been put online, including 3D pictures, although users have to wear adapted glasses to get the full effect.

NASA has also published pictures taken from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiteer which is orbiting Mars.