A Mars Glint
Explanation:
If aligned just right, even a planet can produce a
glint. The
above combined pictures of
Mars make the red planet appear unusually elongated -
Mars is really almost
spherical.
However, these pictures were taken when the
Sun was nearly directly behind the
Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft.
This created a view for MGS where every part of
Mars that was visible was also illuminated by the Sun.
From this vantage point, though, sunlight reflects off the
Martian surface and
atmosphere producing a bright spot in the
center - a glint. The brightness, color, and
extent of the glint carry valuable information about the
composition and physical properties of
Mars.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
