[X] My Assistant

[infocat13]

Now if I use IAS viewer just maybe we can find the mars 6 lander my eyes are straining already

http://hirise-pds.lpl.arizona.edu/PDS/EXTR...RED.abrowse.jpg



I wonder if we know what the landing ellipse would have been or was intended to have been on this image?

[kenny]

Kenny, not bad thinking, but consider the variables:

1) The surface of Mars 6 has to be pretty clean and reflective, which is a random situation if possible at all by this time.

2) The illumination angle must be favorable to produce a specular reflection, and

3) MRO or another orbiter has to make a pass at exactly the right time of day (referenced to the surface) to detect that glint.

Given the fact that we have no idea what the orientation (much less the condition) of Mars 6 might be, gotta give this strategy a low probabilty of success. Still, keep thinking!

The geometry may not have to be as precise as you assume, nprev, because Mars 6 (or 3) is roughly spherical and metallic, and if it's clean it will be reflecting at just about every angle. This is quite unlike a flat sheet such as an Iridium solar panel which generates very narrow angle flares from sunlight, if you're familiar with those. So that characteristic of a metal sphere might take care of your points 2) and 3) somewhat, but we're still left with 1) as a big issue, I agree.

[djellison]

roughly spherical and metallic,

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/database/Master...og?sc=1971-049F

I find it almost impossible to believe that that could be identified unambiguously as being different from any medium sized rock. Given the near invisibility of one of the two Viking parachutes - the chances of finding a 'region' to look at are not great, and the chance of finding the lander within that region are very low. I wouldn't get your hopes up.


Doug