Mars Express Webcam

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After about three years the Mars Express Webcam is back in business.  More formally known at the Mars Express Visual Monitoring Camera or VMC.  The webcam was onboard the Mars Express to watch and confirm the Beagle Lander separation.

Keep in mind this is not a scientific camera, but does indeed provide really good images.  Let me tell you, many a great astronomical images are taken with similar webcams.  Admittedly some of the images can be improved and ESA not only acknowledges this, but encourages the public to do so:

Students, teachers, scientists, photographers and the general public are invited to help us process the images, remove artifacts, increase sharpness and interpret what the images show. And if you have success, send us a copy - we’ll publish the best submissions right here in the VMC site!

Go to this ESA page to learn more about participating.

You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg for the big Photoshop program, less expensive and sometimes free Paintshop Pro, Photoshop Elements, or the Gimp will work very nicely.  ESA even includes the files in multiple download options.   They also have a download link for Celestia, it’s free and I highly recommend it.

This is going to be great fun, practice your “tweaking” skills and have a ball.

Check out the Mars Express VMC website for all the details.

The image above was taken on November 9, 2007

The giant volcano of Mars, Olympus Mons, is captured here face-on, nearly in the centre of the image. The immense scale of the feature can be clearly seen in relation to the rest of the planet. The ring of shadow around the top edge is evidence of the 6km cliffs that surround the volcano. Also visible in the image is the 70km caldera, or crater, at the top of the volcano.

Image Credit: ESA