By: Nick Gambino
Mars never ceases to be a fascinating subject. As evidence of that fact look no further than the recent success of Ridley Scott’s The Martian. Now NASA has fed this fascination by releasing a new 360-degree video featuring the surfaces of Mars.
The video/image was posted to the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory YouTube channel. Taken by NASA’s rover, Curiosity, it allows you to see what it would be like to stand on the Bagnold Dunes on the Red Planet with a view of the Namib Dune and Mount Sharp.
The Curiosity arrived to Mars back in August of 2012 to find evidence that Mars once supported life. Since it arrived there have been numerous findings and images making their way back to Earth. This 360 experience is the latest.
360 degree videos and photos have become popular of late, acting as a sort of virtual reality experience in your video viewer. Generally they are taken by a 360-degree camera.
Now, this Mars image is actually made up of several images composited into one to give you the idea of a 360-degree view all around you. Something tells me affixing the $2.5 billion Curiosity with a 360-degree camera wasn’t a priority.
To experience the 360 video in all of its…360 glory you’ll need to use the right browser. Safari doesn’t currently support it (surprise surprise) but there are plenty that do. Make sure you have the newest version of Google Chrome, Opera, Mozilla Firefox or if you’re one of the unfortunate souls to still be using it, Internet Explorer.
Once you arrive at the YouTube video on one of those browsers, press “play” and then left click on the video image and move the mouse to explore. You can also use the arrow key in the top left. On mobile devices you can use the YouTube app on iOS and Android. Once you hit “play” you can now move your mobile device around to see the 360 view.
This video will have to hold us over until we actually get there ourselves. Some are predicting we’ll arrive to Mars in the next 10-12 years. What do you think?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nick Gambino is a regular script writer and tech beat reporter for NewsWatch. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and daughter.
This blog gives helpful information,keep it up.
Good article.
Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly.
I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same outcome.
What’s Heading down i am new to this, I
stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely helpful and possesses aided me out loads.
I hope to contribute & assist different users like its helped
me. Great job.
When you want to get much with this paragraph then you have to apply these
strategies for your won website.
Good day! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog post or
vice-versa? My blog discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I
feel we could greatly benefit from each other.
If you might be interested feel free to shoot me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you! Fantastic blog by the way!
I am not sure where you’re having your information, but good topic.
I needs to invest some time learning more or understanding more.
I appreciate you great information I wanted this info for my mission.
Hi there it’s me, I am also visiting this site regularly, this website
is really pleasant and the visitors are in fact sharing pleasant thoughts.
I realize this if off topic but I’m looking into starting
my very own blog and was curious what all is required to acquire set
up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost you a pretty
penny? I’m not too internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any suggestions or
advice can be greatly appreciated. Thanks
of course like your website but you have to test the spelling on several of your posts.
A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I in locating it very troublesome to inform the truth however I
will certainly come back again.
Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and tested to see if
it can survive a forty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My
iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but
I had to share it with someone!