火星の「日没」、NASAの探査車キュリオシティが撮影
Mars ’sunset’ captured by NASA’s Curiosity rover
Mars ’sunset’ captured by NASA’s Curiosity rover
キュリオシティは火星が温暖湿潤な惑星から冷たい砂漠に変化した理由を求め、10年以上にわたって火星表面を探査しています
Curiosity has been exploring the Martian surface for more than 10 years to find out why Mars changed from a warm and humid planet to a cold desert.
Curiosity has been exploring the Martian surface for more than 10 years to find out why Mars changed from a warm and humid planet to a cold desert.
これまでに興味深い岩石地形を発見したほか、生命の兆候の探索や、ゲール・クレーター中央部にある「シャープ山」の登頂も行いました
In addition to discovering interesting rock formations so far, it searched for signs of life and climbed Mount Sharp in the center of Gale Crater.
In addition to discovering interesting rock formations so far, it searched for signs of life and climbed Mount Sharp in the center of Gale Crater.
だが、最近のキュリオシティは、車輪の下にほぼ果てしなく広がる岩や土の観測に専念するのではなく、空を見上げているようです
But these days, Curiosity seems to be looking up at the sky instead of concentrating on observing the nearly endless expanse of rock and dirt beneath its wheels.
But these days, Curiosity seems to be looking up at the sky instead of concentrating on observing the nearly endless expanse of rock and dirt beneath its wheels.
キュリオシティは先月2日の日没時、太陽光線が水平線から伸び、雲を明るく照らす様子を撮影
At sunset on the 2nd of last month, Curiosity captured the sun’s rays extending from the horizon and brightly illuminating the clouds.
At sunset on the 2nd of last month, Curiosity captured the sun’s rays extending from the horizon and brightly illuminating the clouds.
これは「薄明光線」と呼ばれる現象で、火星でここまではっきり確認されたのは初めてでした
This is a phenomenon called crepuscular rays, and it was the first time that it was so clearly confirmed on Mars.
This is a phenomenon called crepuscular rays, and it was the first time that it was so clearly confirmed on Mars.
研究者は雲ができる時間や場所の情報を活用して、火星の大気組成や温度、風についてさらなる知見を得たい考えです
Researchers hope to use the information on when and where clouds form to gain further insight into the composition, temperature, and winds of Mars’ atmosphere.
Researchers hope to use the information on when and where clouds form to gain further insight into the composition, temperature, and winds of Mars’ atmosphere.