Beautiful new images from Rosetta’s approach to Mars: OSIRIS
UPDATE This series of beautiful images taken by Rosetta’s
Optical, Spectroscopic, and Infrared Remote Imaging System
(OSIRIS), shows planet Mars in the pre-close-approach phase
(updated with additional spectral information). In the lead
image above, an orange (red), green and near-UV colour filter
composite image of Mars is shown; the UV channel (the blue
color) has been enhanced. The enhanced UV signal clearly shows
the presence of the cloud system covering most of the Martian
disk. The above-image composite is based on near-infrared, green
and near-ultra-violet colour information obtained by the OSIRIS
Narrow Angle Camera. At the southern part of the planet, the
southern spring polar cap is clearly seen. At this time of the
Martian year, a large fraction of Mars' atmosphere is
evaporating from the southern polar cap and will migrate to the
northern polar cap during nothern winter. Over most of the
Martian disk one can see large cloud systems. The