We all know very well that the Curiosity rover has been exploring Mars for five years, using its various cameras to photograph the surface and look for evidence of life. It captured so many images that scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory were able to create a 3D model of the red planet.
Explore The Surface Of Mars In Your Browser Right Now
The Curiosity rover has been exploring Mars for five years, using its various cameras to photograph the surface and look for evidence of life. It captured so many images that scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory were able to create a 3D model of the red planet.
Now, thanks to a Google project – called Access Mars – through which you can explore this 3D model using your web browser on your computer or smartphone.
There is not much secret: just go to g.co/accessmars, click on Enter and exit clicking (or tapping) to navigate. There are a few 3D pins with additional explanations, and also a map for you to switch between different points of interest, such as where Curiosity landed on Mars.
NASA explains that thanks to two cameras side by side in the rover, it was possible to rebuild the planet’s terrain in 3D. However, some areas are in black and white because Curiosity just used their navigation camera to capture them.
I tested Access Mars on the desktop across multiple browsers and for some reason, performance is better in Chrome than in Firefox, Opera, and Microsoft Edge – but apart from this, it works perfectly in these browsers.
However, I recommend you try Access Mars on your smartphone: it’s easier to explore Mars because you can navigate by moving the device, or by using your finger. In addition, it also supports virtual reality headsets. In fact, the tech giant Google is using WebVR technology here, which does not require additional plugins.
So, what do you think about this? Simply share your views and thoughts in the comment section below.
