This photomosaic globe of Mars was produced at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory using photographs from the Mariner 9 spacecraft that imaged the red planet from orbit from 14 November 1971 to 27 October 1972. This globe represents not only the first photomosaic globe of Mars ever made, but the first such photomosaic made of any planetary body.
Over 1500 photos were used to produce the original. Each image had to be computer processed to produce consistent shading and to give it the proper geometry for its placement on the globe, and then cut by hand so it could be mosaicked with other overlapping images without interfering with important surface features. The finished globe was then sprayed with a clear protective coating.
The original globe was rephotographed in 452 rectangual segments so that copies could be made of the globe through a simple and straightforward process. The globes were completed in September 1973.
Display Status
This object is on display in Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
LITERATURE AND RESEARCH-Photos & Prints
Manufacturer
NASA - Headquarters, Research Program Management
Dimensions
3-D: 141.6 × 120.6cm (4 ft. 7 3/4 in. × 3 ft. 11 1/2 in.)
Materials
Silver-gelatine print
paper
plaster
aluminum
Inventory Number
A20130178000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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