Mars Rover Has Sundial Technology
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Mars Rover Has Simple Sundial Technology
Sun Jan 4, 6:11 PM ET
HONOLULU - The advanced technology of the Mars Rover came fully equipped with one of the simplest devices imaginable — a tiny sundial that can tell time on both Mars and Earth.
The 3-inch-square sundial, designed by a team that included Bill Nye the "Science Guy" of children's television and Hawaiian artist Jon Lomberg, was created as part of the Mars mission's educational effort. Written along its four sides is the word for 'Mars' in 17 languages, including the Hawaiian word for the planet, hokuula.
An image of the plate was among the first sent back from Mars after Spirit landed Saturday. The sundial has no hour marks because the rover will be moving around; the lines will be added electronically onto photos of the sundial.
"It's nice to think that something as simple as just a stick and a shadow will tell you where and when you are in the world — or on Mars," Lomberg said.
A Martian day is nearly the same length as Earth's, but a year there runs roughly twice as long as one on Earth.
The Spirit is one of two identical robots expected to roam the planet for 90 days, analyzing rocks and soil for clues that could reveal whether the planet was ever a warmer, wetter place capable of sustaining life. The twin craft, Opportunity, has an identical sundial.
Both include a message to future explorers of Mars, which reads in part: "To those who visit here, we wish a safe journey and the joy of discovery."
Mars Rover Has Simple Sundial Technology
Sun Jan 4, 6:11 PM ET
HONOLULU - The advanced technology of the Mars Rover came fully equipped with one of the simplest devices imaginable — a tiny sundial that can tell time on both Mars and Earth.
The 3-inch-square sundial, designed by a team that included Bill Nye the "Science Guy" of children's television and Hawaiian artist Jon Lomberg, was created as part of the Mars mission's educational effort. Written along its four sides is the word for 'Mars' in 17 languages, including the Hawaiian word for the planet, hokuula.
An image of the plate was among the first sent back from Mars after Spirit landed Saturday. The sundial has no hour marks because the rover will be moving around; the lines will be added electronically onto photos of the sundial.
"It's nice to think that something as simple as just a stick and a shadow will tell you where and when you are in the world — or on Mars," Lomberg said.
A Martian day is nearly the same length as Earth's, but a year there runs roughly twice as long as one on Earth.
The Spirit is one of two identical robots expected to roam the planet for 90 days, analyzing rocks and soil for clues that could reveal whether the planet was ever a warmer, wetter place capable of sustaining life. The twin craft, Opportunity, has an identical sundial.
Both include a message to future explorers of Mars, which reads in part: "To those who visit here, we wish a safe journey and the joy of discovery."
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