The Mars Report - A Decade of Opportunity on Mars

[caption id="attachment_2760" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Self-Portrait by Freshly Cleaned Opportunity Mars Rover, False Color[/caption]

(Self Portrait Opportunity March 2014)

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today I am pleased to present a short review of a decade of images from the Mars rover, Opportunity. Launched in July of 2003 and landing on the surface of Mars January 2004, both the Opportunity and Spirit rovers have produced images and science, consistently, for the past ten years. NASA/JPL have proved, beyond any doubt, that they can design, build, launch and guide scientific platforms like no other country on earth.

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Today, I am going to start with the Opportunity rover launched on July 3^rd, 2003. Opportunity landed, on the Martian surface, on January 24^th, 2004 at Meridiani Planum. Opportunity is still roving and still sending incredible images, and making scientific discoveries. Granted, today the rover Curiosity overshadows these twin rovers… even here at The Other Shoe.

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Our first image is a selfie of Opportunity right before, and after, windstorms cleaned Opportunity. This image was kind of large, I did my best to reduce the size, without damaging the detail or look of this great image.

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[caption id="attachment_2752" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Before and After Cleaning of Opportunity by Wind Storms[/caption]

(Before and After Cleaning of Opportunity by Wind Storms)

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But, I get ahead of myself. Let me take us all the way back to the day Opportunity landed in the Meridiani Planum on Mars. Below is an image, taken by Opportunity, directly after leaving the ‘nest’. Unlike Curiosity, Opportunity and Spirit landed in huge ‘air bag’ landing devices. Once in the Martian atmosphere the rover package was jettisoned and air bags, surrounding the rover(s), deployed. They rolled until all the inertia was dissipated. Once halted, the air bags deflated and the rovers rolled out on to the Martian surface. Directly below is the ‘nest’ of air bags left behind by the Martian rover Opportunity.

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[caption id="attachment_2758" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Opportunity's Empty Nest[/caption]

(Opportunity's Empty Nest)

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Our next iamge was taken via the PanCam (Panoramic Camera). This image shows ‘Botany Bay’ in the foreground and ‘Solander Point’ in the background. Botany Bay is a topographic saddle that shows exposed sedimentary rocks making up the ‘Burns Formation’. The ‘Burns Formation’ was explored and imaged earlier in the Opportunity mission.

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[caption id="attachment_2753" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Opportunity Annotated Solander Point[/caption]

(Opportunity Annotated Solander Point)

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Our next image looks like a field of blueberries, on the surface of Mars. Wouldn’t it be amazing to find blueberries on Mars? That not being the case, what we actually have is a field of hematite-rich spherules, which appear blue. This image was taken by the Opportunity rover in Eagle Crater landing site. This image was the very first scientific proof of flowing water on the surface of Mars. This is one of the ‘Top 50 Images’ from Opportunity as decided by the Smithsonian ‘Air and Space Museum’.

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[caption id="attachment_2754" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Opportunity Berries' Here, There, Everywhere[/caption]

(Opportunity Berries' Here, There, Everywhere)

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Our next image is the very first large panoramic image for this edition of ‘The Mars Report’ today. This image was taken from Opportunity of Intrepid Crater. The crater was named after the lunar module of Apollo 12, Intrepid. The image was taken back in December of 2010.

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[caption id="attachment_2755" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Opportunity Intrepid Crater Panoramic[/caption]

(Opportunity Intrepid Crater Panoramic)

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The next image is another panoramic showing ‘Lyell’ inside Victoria Crater. Taken on the anniversary of the second year of Opportunity’s mission on Mars.

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[caption id="attachment_2756" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Opportunity 'Lyell' Panorama inside Victoria Crater[/caption]

(Opportunity 'Lyell' Panorama inside Victoria Crater)

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Our final image for this decade review of Opportunity On Mars is another composite image. This image is made from over a dozen different images taken by the rover’s panoramic camera. As a part Opportunity’s investigation of Victoria Crater, it shows ‘Cape Verde’ from its view from ‘Cape St. Mary’.

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[caption id="attachment_2757" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Opportunity View of 'Cape Verde' from 'Cape St. Mary'[/caption]

(Opportunity View of 'Cape Verde' from 'Cape St. Mary')

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That brings us to the end of this special edition of ‘The Mars Report’ celebrating adecade ofimaging and science thanks to the Martian rover Opportunity!

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Thanks for dropping by and taking this look back and review of a decade of images from Opportunity. I am working on another special edition for tomorrow showcasing the rover Spirit. I am going to do my best to, also, bring you the regularly scheduled edition of ‘Lost in Space’ this week, too. Have a great week!

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="234"] The Other Shoe eBay Store[/caption]

www.ebay.com/usr/enzomatrixlt

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[caption id="attachment_2296" align="aligncenter" width="630"] The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning 2/2014[/caption]

The Mars Report - April 14th 2014

                  Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Well, since I last published about Mars, April 7^th, there has been some hubbub about… well, a light… on… Mars! Yes, as on can well imagine, this had the blogo’sphere burning daylight. ‘An independent light source seen on Mars!’ Had very nutcase and shut-in burning up their ISPs with radical ideas about its source, and reason. My Dear Readers, if that is the ‘kind of’ blogging you are looking for… then this is not the place for you. Please exit stage left…

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However, if you want the scientific explanation, then you have arrived at the correct blog. First, let’s get all the anticipation out of the way. Below is one of the images that has raised all the fuss.

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[caption id="attachment_2714" align="aligncenter" width="630"] First Martian Image with Light source[/caption]

(First Martian Image with Light source)

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Now, from the left eye camera, within seconds of the image above, there is no light source.

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[caption id="attachment_2717" align="aligncenter" width="630"] SAME Spot Left EYE within one second[/caption]

(SAME Spot Left EYE within one second)

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Anyone with experience with photography will understand; if it is does not appear in both camera images… at the same time. Then it is likely not a ‘Martian trying to signal our rover’. More likely thatn not, what we have here is a very shiny natural source somewhere in the foothills of Mount Sharp. A rock surface with a very shiny surface which, when viewed at this spot from a very particular angle reflects in a camera lens. It is quite likely that, if there were humans there, they might very well not see this reflection.

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Further proof of what (and NASA) have proffered as an answer, is the image below?

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“A pair of Navcam images in the same direction from the previous afternoon has a bright spot similarly located in the right-eye image.”[1]

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[caption id="attachment_2716" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Same camera previous afternoon[/caption]

(Same camera previous afternoon)

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At least for me, this is more proof that what we are witness, is nothing more than a lens flare. If you have ever had photography as a hobby, and made either rock concerts or landscapes your forte then you will have been exposed to (even lost great images, too) lens flares. Below is our final image in this conversation. I have taken the liberty to copy and paste the text from NASA.

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“This image from the Navigation Camera (Navcam) on NASA's Curiosity Mars rover includes a bright spot near the upper left corner. The sun is in the same direction, west-northwest, above the frame. Bright spots appear in images from the rover nearly every week. Typical explanations for them are cosmic rays hitting the light detector or sunlight glinting from rocks.”[2]

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[caption id="attachment_2720" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Bright Spot Toward Sun in Image from NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover[/caption]

(Bright Spot Toward Sun in Image from NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover)

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So, for me at least, this puts this whole matter to bed. However, If sometime in the future… by some galactic fluke, these images crop up in the news again. I will take the time to address them… again. Honestly, there is so much ‘good science’ happening with the “Mars Science Laboratory – Rover Curiosity’ that all this is a merely a distraction. ‘Good Thing’? These images brought Curiosity, and the science NASA is involved, on the Martian surfaceinto the view of the public. Like the old saw ‘Any exposure is good exposure’.

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Sitting here, and putting this article together, I thought to myself… ‘I would certainly be remiss to just publish about this lark…’ Looking at the published images (refined, categorized and ready for press release) there really isn’t anything new since my last edition of ‘The Mars Report’. Honest, I looked at several of the sites.

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Now, I do not wish to be remembered as ‘that guy who never went the extra mile…’ So, I have managed to put together some images I had taken a pass on, before, that have real scientific merit. For all of My Dear Readers? Those wonderful regulars that come often and stay long? I am writing this Sunday afternoon at 6PM, long after the publication of ‘A Week in Review’. This week promises to be very busy and I am working to get ahead of the curve.

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Our next image is the strongest evidence, so far, NASA/JPL has found of flowing liquid water on Mars. Now, for science junkies and the like, this a majorly important image. Rather than work to paraphrase what NASA/JPL has released with this image. Let me present to you their words, exactly as presented with this image.

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“The outcrop characteristics are consistent with a sedimentary conglomerate, or a rock that was formed by the deposition of water and is composed of many smaller rounded rocks cemented together. Water transport is the only process capable of producing the rounded shape of clasts of this size.”[3]

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Sounds reasonable to me, how about you? Now, let me share the image they wrote about.

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[caption id="attachment_2715" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Link to a Watery Past[/caption]

(Link to a Watery Past)

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Since we are on the topic of fluid water on the Martian surface, let me bring you another image as evidence. In an outcrop called Shaler’. In the Yellowknife Bay of area of Mars’ Gale Crater this outcrop was found. In this image we see inclined layering called ‘cross-bedding’. This only occurs as the result of passing fluid water and is indicative of sediment-transport in stream flows. Thus adding to the growing scientific evidence that fluid water once flowed on the Martian surface. Me thinks that it is surprising (and also rather revealing) that science like this does not make the news… yet lens flares, somehow, do. What curious creatures we American humans, are. Yes?

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[caption id="attachment_2718" align="aligncenter" width="630"] 'Shaler' Unit's Evidence of Stream Flow[/caption]

('Shaler' Unit's Evidence of Stream Flow )

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Week, before last, I ended this series with an image of the Earth from Mars. I am always working to keep things in perspective. How small our planet is, when view from the Martian surface. It gives me pause, and should serve as food for thought. Tonight, I bring you yet another image of perspective. In this image, if enlarged enough, one can see our Earth and the moon from the Martian surface.[4]

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[caption id="attachment_2713" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Earth and our Moon from Mars[/caption]

(Earth and our Moon from Mars)

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With that, we come to this week’s edition of ‘The Mars Report’. I really do enjoy bringing this series, and these images, to you My Dear Readers. I can only hope that they, and I, have brought some wonder and even joy… to you.

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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P.S. Just a little FYI for all of you, My Dear Readers. ‘The Mars Report’ has become the #1-article aeries here at The Other Shoe. Last week’s edition gathered 31 ‘Likes’ in less than one week! Be a part of the phenomenon and be sure to ‘Like’ this edition, too. I must admit… when I started this blog… I never imagined I would be publishing two weekly series looking to the stars. Thank you!

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[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="234"] The Other Shoe eBay Store[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_2296" align="aligncenter" width="630"] The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning 2/2014[/caption]

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[1]http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/images/?ImageID=6135

[2]http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/images/?ImageID=6135

[3]http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/images/?ImageID=4719

[4]http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/images/PIA17936-MAIN-evening_star_annotated-br2.jpg

Lost in Sapce #1 - March 26th, 2014

[caption id="attachment_2598" align="aligncenter" width="630"] (Hubble Looking into the Heart of the Milky Way)[/caption]

(Hubble Looking into the Heart of the Milky Way)

         Welcome back MY Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today, and with this article, I am launching a brand-new series of articles for The Other Shoe. As you can see from the title of this article the name of this all-new series is ‘Lost in Space’. Yes, I lifted the name from a TV series I very much enjoyed as a boy. However, every month I find more and more articles, about space, that just do not fit into ‘The Mars Report’. Therefore, from this day forward every article about space exploration, space flight, experimentations and space flight, the potential commercial colonization of Mars, and/or any other article I find about space will be found here every week in ‘Lost in Space’.

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Now, as I mentioned in a recent article I published here, it is unlikely yours truly will ever slipped the surly bonds of earth. You just don’t know, My Dear Readers, how much that thoroughly sucks. Life goes on. Just because I will not be able to embrace my personal dreams of leaving Earth’s orbit. That does not mean I cannot help bring the wonders of space to you, My Dear Readers.

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You see, My Dear Readers, last week while I was celebrating the 400^th article published here at The Other Shoe and the four year anniversary I wrote that I would do anything to improve this blog. That I was going to read double my efforts to make The Other Shoe a better place for all of you. A better place for all of you to come for; entertainment, information, political editorial, creative writing, news from space and even of horror story or two. I don’t know if I’m doing this in spite of or because of my declining health.

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Each passing day I can tell that I am able to do less. Each week I feel more pain, and ‘new’ pains. Meaning, I feel pain doing things in my day to day life, where it wasn’t painful a week… or month ago. They say ‘pain is a great motivator’ and I guess my actions here are proof of the truth in those words. Regardless of my pain, I am pushing myself to; write more, think more about different articles, challenge myself to write in fields I have not, and publish more often. This is my goal, and so far I am able to meet that goal.

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Last week, in seven days, I wrote and published twelve articles. Yesterday, I wrote and published two articles in one day. I have planned, to repeat that performance today.

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So, for as long as I am physically able you, My Dear Readers, will garner the fruit of my redoubled labors. It was in that spirit that this ‘new’ series ‘Lost in Space’ was born, today. I would not be the least bit surprised if you bear witness to more ‘births’ of new and different content, over the coming weeks and months. Just as a little FYI I was just tossing around the idea of a ‘new’ series of articles named “The World Around Us’. This series will be a catch-all for all things space oriented, and ‘The World Around Us’ would be a catch-all for all things ‘earth sciences. What do you think?

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For our very first image, in this the premier edition of ‘Lost in Space’, I take you to The Boomerang Nebula[1]. The Boomerang nebula is located 5000 light years from our home here on earth. It is located in the Constellation Centaurus and is also known as ‘The Bow-Tie Nebula’. This nebula has a very unique characteristic. The temperature in the nebula is 1 K (−272.15 °C; −457.87 °F), making it the coolest natural place in the known universe.

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[caption id="attachment_2599" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Ghostly Specter Haunts the ‘Coldest Place in the Universe’[/caption]

(Ghostly Specter Haunts the ‘Coldest Place in the Universe’)

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My Dear Readers, I thought that the striking beauty of The Boomerang Nebula, combi9ned with it the title of coolest place in the known universe made this the prefect candidate for ‘First Image’ for ‘Lost in Space’. I wanted to start this series off with a bit of a bang, and since I could not find any available images of ‘The Big Bang’ I figured this would do nicely. Above you will see my first reference (#1) right after the name ‘The Boomerang Nebula’, if you follow that link it will take you to a page with lots of information on this nebula. My Dear Readers, I will endeavor to make sure that each of the articles in this series will have lots of links for you to follow for more information. I would like to encourage your curiosity, and make it easy for you to ‘read more about it’. J

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Our next image, My Dear Readers, is a starscape taken by the Hubble telescope (FYI all of today’s images are from the Hubble Space Telescope) looking into Terzan 7[2]. Believed to have originated in the Sagittarius Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy[3], Terzan 7 is a young globular cluster. Terzan 7 sets itself apart from other young globular clusters, in that it posses a very rich population of blue stragglers[4] concentrated near the center. I was just impressed with the clarity of the image and the overall brilliance.

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[caption id="attachment_2601" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Hubble Looks into Terzan 7[/caption]

Hubble Looks into Terzan 7)

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Well, I have a pretty good feeling about how this new series is started out so far. Unlike many of my other articles, My Dear Readers, I am not going to leave the best for last. Therefore, if you are a big fan of supernovas then our next image will certainly rank your favorite. Captured while happening in the M82 Galaxy[5], also known as the Messier 82 Galaxy a ‘starburst’ galaxy, is a supernova! The death of several certain types of stars, this is one of nature’s Galactic Firework displays. In this image, the supernova can be seen in the picture-in-picture in the lower right hand corner of the image. ENJOY!

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[caption id="attachment_2602" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Hubble Monitors Supernova In Nearby Galaxy M82[/caption]

(Hubble Monitors Supernova In Nearby Galaxy M82)

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Out of the six images today, from the Hubble space telescope, the next image is by far my favorite. The earth is located in one of the arms of our spiral galaxy, far out from the center of our Milky Way galaxy. The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy, a common formation from our current observations. Our Milky Way galaxy is a very calm spiral galaxy. However, not all spiral arm galaxies are quite so sedate. In our next image we see two spiral galaxies (NGC 4038 and NGC 4039) locked in a deadly embrace. For the past few hundred million years these two, normally sedate spiral galaxies, have been sparing with one another. The gravitational actions have literally torn suns out of their host galaxies. Thus creating the a streaming arc between the two galaxies. Currently in a state of starburst the two are now forming an Antenna Galaxy. The nature of starburst cannot continue, and will result in either the two separating from each other or form one very large elliptical galaxy. I think the image is just striking, as is imagining the immense gravitational forces locked in this deadly dance.

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[caption id="attachment_2603" align="aligncenter" width="630"] NASA Hubble Sees Sparring Antennae Galaxies[/caption]

(NASA Hubble Sees Sparring Antennae Galaxies)

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Our last image, for this the premier edition of ‘Lost in Space’, is of the actual birth of a star! Forming in the Chameleon cloud[6] the Hubble has captured this striking image. We can clearly see the gases as they stream from the poles of the forming star. Creating a most ethereal object this sun will be known as HH 909A. The streaming gases have illuminated this entire region of space. As if to say, to any onlookers, ‘Hey, look at ME I am being BORN!’. It is images like this one, and really all of those I have shared here today, that have given birth to my fascination with space.

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[caption id="attachment_2600" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Hubble Looks in on a Nursery for Unruly Young Stars[/caption]

(Hubble Looks in on a Nursery for Unruly Young Stars)

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You see, My Dear Readers, I believe that earth is like mankind’s cradle… or crib. It is where we were laid, once born of star stuff. Our crib is where were have cut our teeth in science… and through war. It is where we were/are confined until such time that we, as a nation and/or a species, set our priorities on getting out of our crib. As with a human child, it is my belief that mankind was not meant to spend the entirety of our existence… in our crib!

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Just as, over time, mankind threw off the notion that the earth was flat and that if you sailed long enough… you would fall off the earth. Mankind must throw-off the notion that we are earth-bound. IMHO In order for mankind to avoid, eventual, extinction we must leave this earth. I believe that the real future of mankind is as a space-faring species. The sooner that we make; life in space, the exploration of other galaxies, and the colonization of other planets a reality. The sooner we will; decrease the incident of war, increase the opportunities for financial and educational equality for all, end hunger, and continue mankind’s stalled evolution.

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MY Dear Readers, I hope that you have enjoyed this, FIRST, edition of ‘Lost in Space’. I hope that I have given you images as eye-candy, and a little science as mind-candy. I look forward to bringing you the next edition of “Lost in Space’, and the one after that, and the one after that, and so on and so on. Thank you for taking the time out of your lives to spend here, with me, looking to the stars!

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank YOU!

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[caption id="false" align="aligncenter" width="234"] The Other Shoe eBay Store[/caption]

 

 

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[1]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boomerang_Nebula

 

[2]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terzan_7

[3]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagittarius_(constellation)

[4]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_straggler

 

[5]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_82

 

[6]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamaeleon

 

400th Article at The Other Shoe - Part Four

[caption id="attachment_671" align="aligncenter" width="630"] RAW/Natural/White Balanced image from Curiosity[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. This is Part Four of the series of article celebrating my 400^th article here at The Other Shoe. Now, My Dear Readers, I have taken you back to the very beginnings of this love of mine, The Other Shoe. I have shared retrospect of several of the successful series I have published over the years. Today, I am devoting this Part Four to a look back over the series The Mars Report.

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Started the day of (or the day after) Curiosity made a soft-landing on the surface of Mars at Bradbury Point. I published over a dozen articles of The Mars Report. On October 4^th, 1957 Sputnik was launched from the former U.S.S.R. and, just weeks later Daniel Hanning was born. I am, quite literally, a child of the ‘Space Age’.

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My curiosity for all things space and extraterrestrial I have had an unquenchable thirst. The Mars Report was a natural extension of that unquenchable thirst and a tall glass of relief, too. Since my reading of ‘The Martian Chronicles’ (by Ray Bradbury – Namesake of the landing zone of the rover Curiosity on Mars) I have viewed Mars through deeply curious eyes. We now know that liquid water flowed on the surface of Mars.

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The presence of liquid water tells us that, at some point in the past, Mars had an atmosphere. Of all the extraterrestrial bodies, in our solar system, Mars is the best candidate for Terraforming. That the moon may be mankind’s first celestial body/space, that Mars is the only logical starting point for any travel outside our solar system. Regardless of mankind’s ability to see, today, the eventual role Mars will play in our evolution. Mars will be a huge stepping-stone from which mankind will launch himself into the stars.

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Today, with this Part Four of the celebratory series of articles for the 400^th publication here at The Other Shoe. I chose to highlight The Mars Report series of articles. Therefore, without further adieu, I bring you a short history of my scientific series The Mars Report!

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[caption id="attachment_28" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Curiosity Lowered By 'Sky Crane' to Martian Surface[/caption]

• Curiosity’s First Images from Mars : “This Saturday (August 5th, 2012) NASA and JPL reached the climax of the current Mars Lander/rover project, Curiosity. I was watching, on JPL web TV as the ‘Seven Minutes of Terror’ culminated with America putting the largest and most sophisticated rover on the surface of Mars. The one ton Curiosity has its own; nuclear reactor, laser drill, 20″ tires, and ten scientific instruments and High Definition cameras. Just released today, 3D images coming from Curiosity. Looking at them, I think we will all need to dig up our ‘Red/Blue’ 3D glasses to enjoy these gems.” This article is the beginning of The Mars Report. It was not until later in the series that I ‘landed’ (pun, intended) on the current title for the series; The Mars Report. I really did sit and watch, via internet broadcast on the JPL Web site, the Mars Lander successfully place Curiosity on the Martian surface @ Bradbury Point. Curiosity represented the single heaviest non-human payload ever deposited on extraterrestrial soil. They accomplished this task with the very first use of a ‘Sky Crane’ that hovered over the landing site and slowly lowered the Curiosity package to a successful soft-landing. I think I might have held my breath the majority of the ‘Seven Minutes of Terror’ along with the staff/crew at JPL. The successful accomplishment of this task has opened huge vista of exploration for NASA/JPL, and mankind. After witnessing the landing… I just knew that I had to write about the adventure Curiosity had just embarked. I had to involve and inform you, My Dear Readers, of this Herculean effort and journey. I am write happy I did.

[caption id="attachment_247" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This is a self portrait of the mast of the Curiosity rover.[/caption]

• Curiosity Update – The Mars Report – September 1st 2012: “This is our first ‘The Mars Report’ for the month of September, 2012. Since I wrote, last, the rover has moved! Yes, Curiosity has moved from the landing zone and is starting the longest journey of any extraterritorial vehicle in the history of mankind. If Spirit and Opportunity are good examples, we will be seeing Curiosity roving and taking samples and pictures in 2020. Curiosity has his own nuclear power plant and supplemental solar power, too. So, I am sitting here and looking at the images that I have uploaded for today’s article, trying to figure out which I should lead with, what image comes first? The ‘Vanity’ shot, of course! Here is an image, from the Curiosity rover, showing the tracks it has made in the Martian soil. You can clearly see the robotic arm, in the foreground, with Curiosity’s name.” This is, like, the second or third of this series. It is the first edition where I have panoramic (HD) images to post with the article. I have started to incorporate more and more of the information from the NASA/JPL web site into the descriptions of the images. Basically, I am honing my work and improving the quality of the articles in this series. Now, I am a long way from the level of work I am publishing now. However, already I am seeing that The Mars Report has the ability to drive a lot of traffic to my blog. That is welcome news, at this point, as I am (at the time of it first publication) I was working hard to raise the funds I needed for my power chair. I really do wish I could repeat that success, now. I would really like to eat on a regular basis.

[caption id="attachment_682" align="aligncenter" width="630"] On Sol 84 (Oct. 31, 2012), NASA's Curiosity rover used the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) to capture this set of 55 high-resolution images, which were stitched together to create this full-color self-portrait.[/caption]

• Mid-May The Mars Report: “Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to the Mid-May edition of The Mars Report here @ The Other Shoe. It is a genuine pleasure to bring you this edition of The Mars Report. Reason? This is a special edition devoted to panoramic shots of the surface of Mars! This article has NO: rocks, drilled holes, tire tracks or self-portraits (well… maybe just one shot of the rover Curiosity… Have to give her props for what she does!). So without further adieu I bring you the plains and mountain of our sister planet, Mars.” At the time of the publication of this article, Curiosity had found its way out onto open areas. This allowed for huge panoramic views from the mast camera and I spared no time sharing these breath-taking views with you, My Dear Readers. This article was the very first to include a self-portrait of/by Curiosity. This series was getting better with every edition, and I was all too happy to see the corresponding increases in traffic.

[caption id="attachment_146" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This is a High Definition Panorama of the Martian horizon from Curiosity in the shadow of Mount Sharp.[/caption]

• The Mars Report in 3D! : “Welcome, My Dear Readers, to the 3D issue of The Mars Report here @ The Other Shoe. This entire issue will contain nothing but three-dimensional images from curiosity on Mars. I have wanted to bring a three-dimensional issue to you, My Dear Readers, but until this week the NASA JPL website just did not have enough images. That situation changed this week.” This edition of The Mars Report was my very first 3-D publication. I explained what kind of glasses you needed to find/use to see the images in full three-dimensions. The article received a fair amount of traffic and 19 ‘Like’s. I did not repeat this type of article. I was concerned that you, My Dear Readers, might have difficulty finding the right type of 3D glasses to full enjoy the technology. This article shows the creativity and joy that writing and publishing this series brought me. I continued to publish this series, up until my health became more of an issue… and a hindrance.

[caption id="attachment_2264" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Mars Rover Looks For Route via Dingo Gap[/caption]

• The Mars Report – January 30, 2014 : “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today I am ushering in the return of one of Today I am ushering in the return of one of my favorite series of articles; The Mars Report. I remember when I announced, right here at The Other Shoe, that the rover Curiosity had successfully landed on the surface of Mars. That was more than 500 days ago, and now I bring you the most up-to-date news from Curiosity and Mars.” This issue of The Mars Report signals the, hopeful, return of this series to The Other Shoe. Curiosity has traveled a great distance, since last we checked in on the rover. We are no approaching the ‘Dingo Gap’ looking for the safest approach to Mount Sharp. In the images included in this issue you can clearly see the foothills (of Mount Sharp) in the background. The panoramic images are still breath-taking and a real draw. I hope that I can continue to update this series on a regular basis, and bring all of us more and more news from the Martian Surface.

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That brings us to the end of this, Part Four of ‘400^th Article at The Other Shoe. I am working on bringing you the Conclusion of this celebratory series, this weekend. I will bring together all the content from all five of the series in a way that showcases the very best of my blog’s first 400 articles and four years.

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I am hoping that my health holds out, until I am finished with this review. Today I am making a venture into Anaheim to help Allen with the resolution of a legal matter. It will be a long day, starting at 6AM and I will get done about 6PM. I hope that everyone has enjoyed this retrospect of 400 articles and four years here at The Other Shoe.

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My Dear Readers, I consider it a responsibility as well as a joy to write and publish for your entertainment and education. I will always work just as hard as my body and pain allows. I hope that you have enjoyed this retrospect of The Mars Report and I look forward to bringing more of the Martian adventure to you, soon.

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank YOU!

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[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="234"] The Other Shoe eBay Store[/caption]

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http://www.ebay.com/usr/enzomatrixlt

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[caption id="attachment_2296" align="aligncenter" width="630"] The Other Shoe's Daniel Hanning 2/2014[/caption]

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350th Article at The Other Shoe - Part Five

[caption id="attachment_671" align="aligncenter" width="630"] RAW/Natural/White Balanced image from Curiosity[/caption]

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. This is Part Five of the series of article celebrating my 350^th article here at The Other Shoe. Now, My Dear Readers, I have taken you back to the very beginnings of this love of mine, The Other Shoe. I have shared retrospect of several of the successful series I have published over the years. Today, I am devoting this Part Five to a look back over the series The Mars Report.

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Started the day of (or the day after) Curiosity made a soft-landing on the surface of Mars at Bradbury Point. I published over a dozen articles of The Mars Report. On October 4^th, 1957 Sputnik was launched from the former U.S.S.R. and, just weeks later Daniel Hanning was born. I am, quite literally, a child of the ‘Space Age’.

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My curiosity for all things space and extraterrestrial I have had an unquenchable thirst. The Mars Report was a natural extension of that unquenchable thirst and a tall glass of relief, too. Since my reading of ‘The Martian Chronicles’ (by Ray Bradbury – Namesake of the landing zone of the rover Curiosity on Mars) I have viewed Mars through deeply curious eyes. We now know that liquid water flowed on the surface of Mars.

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The presence of liquid water tells us that, at some point in the past, Mars had an atmosphere. Of all the extraterrestrial bodies, in our solar system, Mars is the best candidate for Terraforming. That the moon may be mankind’s first celestial body/space, that Mars is the only logical starting point for any travel outside our solar system. Regardless of mankind’s ability to see, today, the eventual role Mars will play in our evolution. Mars will be a huge stepping-stone from which mankind will launch himself into the stars.

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Today, with this Part Five of the celebratory series of articles for the 350^th publication here at The Other Shoe. I chose to highlight The Mars Report series of articles. Therefore, without further adieu, I bring you a short history of my scientific series The Mars Report!

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[caption id="attachment_28" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Curiosity Lowered By 'Sky Crane' to Martian Surface[/caption]

• Curiosity’s First Images from Mars : “This Saturday (August 5th, 2012) NASA and JPL reached the climax of the current Mars Lander/rover project, Curiosity. I was watching, on JPL web TV as the ‘Seven Minutes of Terror’ culminated with America putting the largest and most sophisticated rover on the surface of Mars. The one ton Curiosity has its own; nuclear reactor, laser drill, 20″ tires, and ten scientific instruments and High Definition cameras. Just released today, 3D images coming from Curiosity. Looking at them, I think we will all need to dig up our ‘Red/Blue’ 3D glasses to enjoy these gems.” This article is the beginning of The Mars Report. It was not until later in the series that I ‘landed’ (pun, intended) on the current title for the series; The Mars Report. I really did sit and watch, via internet broadcast on the JPL Web site, the Mars Lander successfully place Curiosity on the Martian surface @ Bradbury Point. Curiosity represented the single heaviest non-human payload ever deposited on extraterrestrial soil. They accomplished this task with the very first use of a ‘Sky Crane’ that hovered over the landing site and slowly lowered the Curiosity package to a successful soft-landing. I think I might have held my breath the majority of the ‘Seven Minutes of Terror’ along with the staff/crew at JPL. The successful accomplishment of this task has opened huge vista of exploration for NASA/JPL, and mankind. After witnessing the landing… I just knew that I had to write about the adventure Curiosity had just embarked. I had to involve and inform you, My Dear Readers, of this Herculean effort and journey. I am write happy I did.

[caption id="attachment_247" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This is a self portrait of the mast of the Curiosity rover.[/caption]

• Curiosity Update – The Mars Report – September 1st 2012: “This is our first ‘The Mars Report’ for the month of September, 2012. Since I wrote, last, the rover has moved! Yes, Curiosity has moved from the landing zone and is starting the longest journey of any extraterritorial vehicle in the history of mankind. If Spirit and Opportunity are good examples, we will be seeing Curiosity roving and taking samples and pictures in 2020. Curiosity has his own nuclear power plant and supplemental solar power, too. So, I am sitting here and looking at the images that I have uploaded for today’s article, trying to figure out which I should lead with, what image comes first? The ‘Vanity’ shot, of course! Here is an image, from the Curiosity rover, showing the tracks it has made in the Martian soil. You can clearly see the robotic arm, in the foreground, with Curiosity’s name.” This is, like, the second or third of this series. It is the first edition where I have panoramic (HD) images to post with the article. I have started to incorporate more and more of the information from the NASA/JPL web site into the descriptions of the images. Basically, I am honing my work and improving the quality of the articles in this series. Now, I am a long way from the level of work I am publishing now. However, already I am seeing that The Mars Report has the ability to drive a lot of traffic to my blog. That is welcome news, at this point, as I am (at the time of it first publication) I was working hard to raise the funds I needed for my power chair. I really do wish I could repeat that success, now. I would really like to eat on a regular basis.

[caption id="attachment_682" align="aligncenter" width="630"] On Sol 84 (Oct. 31, 2012), NASA's Curiosity rover used the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) to capture this set of 55 high-resolution images, which were stitched together to create this full-color self-portrait.[/caption]

• Mid-May The Mars Report: “Welcome back, My Dear Readers, to the Mid-May edition of The Mars Report here @ The Other Shoe. It is a genuine pleasure to bring you this edition of The Mars Report. Reason? This is a special edition devoted to panoramic shots of the surface of Mars! This article has NO: rocks, drilled holes, tire tracks or self-portraits (well… maybe just one shot of the rover Curiosity… Have to give her props for what she does!). So without further adieu I bring you the plains and mountain of our sister planet, Mars.” At the time of the publication of this article, Curiosity had found its way out onto open areas. This allowed for huge panoramic views from the mast camera and I spared no time sharing these breath-taking views with you, My Dear Readers. This article was the very first to include a self-portrait of/by Curiosity. This series was getting better with every edition, and I was all too happy to see the corresponding increases in traffic.

[caption id="attachment_146" align="aligncenter" width="630"] This is a High Definition Panorama of the Martian horizon from Curiosity in the shadow of Mount Sharp.[/caption]

• The Mars Report in 3D! : “Welcome, My Dear Readers, to the 3D issue of The Mars Report here @ The Other Shoe. This entire issue will contain nothing but three-dimensional images from curiosity on Mars. I have wanted to bring a three-dimensional issue to you, My Dear Readers, but until this week the NASA JPL website just did not have enough images. That situation changed this week.” This edition of The Mars Report was my very first 3-D publication. I explained what kind of glasses you needed to find/use to see the images in full three-dimensions. The article received a fair amount of traffic and 19 ‘Like’s. I did not repeat this type of article. I was concerned that you, My Dear Readers, might have difficulty finding the right type of 3D glasses to full enjoy the technology. This article shows the creativity and joy that writing and publishing this series brought me. I continued to publish this series, up until my health became more of an issue… and a hindrance.

[caption id="attachment_2264" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Mars Rover Looks For Route via Dingo Gap[/caption]

• The Mars Report – January 30, 2014 : “Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today I am ushering in the return of one of Today I am ushering in the return of one of my favorite series of articles; The Mars Report. I remember when I announced, right here at The Other Shoe, that the rover Curiosity had successfully landed on the surface of Mars. That was more than 500 days ago, and now I bring you the most up-to-date news from Curiosity and Mars.” This issue of The Mars Report signals the, hopeful, return of this series to The Other Shoe. Curiosity has traveled a great distance, since last we checked in on the rover. We are no approaching the ‘Dingo Gap’ looking for the safest approach to Mount Sharp. In the images included in this issue you can clearly see the foothills (of Mount Sharp) in the background. The panoramic images are still breath-taking and a real draw. I hope that I can continue to update this series on a regular basis, and bring all of us more and more news from the Martian Surface.

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That brings us to the end of this, Part Five of ‘350^th Article at The Other Shoe. I am working on bringing you the Conclusion of this celebratory series, this weekend. I will bring together all the content from all five of the series in a way that showcases the very best of my blog’s first 350 articles and four years.

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I am hoping that my health holds out, until I am finished with this review. Next week, on Tuesday, I have an all day adventure of, going to see my primary care doctor. This adventure starts at 7AM and I get home around 8PM. I will not be posting on Tuesday February 4^th, 2014. That doesn’t mean that you cannot look over all the great work I have published over the past two weeks. Nor does it mean that you can’t surprise me by… well, lending a hand! My wouldn’t it be wonderful to come home and discover I had the resources to actually dine out!

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My Dear Readers, I consider it a responsibility as well as a joy to write and publish for your entertainment and education. I will always work just as hard as my body and pain allows. I hope that you have enjoyed this retrospect of The Mars Report and I look forward to bringing more of the Martian adventure to you, soon.

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank YOU!

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[caption id="attachment_1812" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Just a shot of a VERY thankful Danny in His Power Chair[/caption]

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[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="234"] The Other Shoe eBay Store[/caption]

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The Mars Report - January 30, 2014

[caption id="attachment_2258" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Billion Pixel View From Curiosity at Rocknest[/caption]

('Billion Pixel View' From Curiosity at Rocknest)

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Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. Today I am ushering in the return of one of Today I am ushering in the return of one of my favorite series of articles; The Mars Report. I remember when I announced, right here at The Other Shoe, that the rover Curiosity had successfully landed on the surface of Mars. That was more than 500 days ago, and now I bring you the most up-to-date news from Curiosity and Mars.

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When I last updated you, My Dear Readers, on the progress of Curiosity’s travels on the Martian surface, it was back in June of last year. I presented a 3-D version of The Mars Report and explained what kind of glasses you could use to ‘see’ these images in their 3-D splendor. I have not lost interest in the Mars Curiosity mission. I just found it painfully difficult to keep up with all the different regular series I had promised. Quite simply? I had ‘Bitten off More Than I Could Chew’. .

Now, My Dear Readers, I simply must put aside my concerns of pain and discomfort and trudge forward. The success of this blog is directly tied to my ability to keep a roof over my head, and food on my table. Sorry about that trip down reality lane. I have always pushed myself brutally hard, but now simply must produce, produce, produce.

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This issue of The Mars Report will be followed by ‘350^th Article at The Other Shoe - Part Five’. Part five will be a retrospect of the this series of articles. That’s right; I am going to publish a review of the top five articles of this series, The Mars Report. This weekend I am hoping to have finished, and publish, the final episode of my 350^th celebration. Wrapping up the series and the celebration by the end of January.

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Now that we have all the housekeeping out of the way, let us get started with the meat of this article and return to Mars!

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The majority of images I am going to share here today were taken on the 527^th Sol day (terrestrial days) on Mars. We are well into the second year of Curiosity’s adventure on the Martian surface. The last I updated this series, Curiosity was headed into the Gale Crater. Today, we find Curiosity in the Gale Crater and navigating to the ‘Dingo Gap’ leading to the foothills of Mount Sharp. In many of the following images you can clearly see the foothills of Mount Sharp in the background. Curiosity is making good progress and during our absence there has been only one interruption in the rover’s progress. That lasted only a couple of days, and Curiosity was back on track and schedule.

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The following image was taken on Sol day 526 (January 28, 2014) from the Left-Eye camera and the Mast Cam. There is a sand dune in the upper center of the image between two scarps. This area is called the ‘Dingo Gap’. This is the pass Curiosity will navigate to the foothills of Mount Sharp.

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[caption id="attachment_2264" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Mars Rover Looks For Route via Dingo Gap[/caption]

(The ‘Dingo Gap’)

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Our next image, My Dear Readers, is a close-up of one of the erosion scarps to each side of the ‘Dingo Gap’. I picked this picture because, in the background, you can begin to see, clearly, the foothills of Mount Sharp. You see, that is our eventual destination for Curiosity for this leg of its journey. Mount Sharp, and the surrounding foothills, will give scientists their best shot at seeing the largest amount of geological history in one place.

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[caption id="attachment_2263" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Erosion by Scarp Retreat in Gale Crater[/caption]

(Erosion Scarp at Dingo Gap)

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Our next Martian image shows the geologic members of the ‘Yellowknife Bay Formation’. Curiosity drilled into the low-lying members of this geological formation. This time I have chosen to use an annotated version of the iomage. This shows all the geologic features outlined and i9ndicates exactly where Curiosity drilled.

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[caption id="attachment_2257" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Yellowknife Formation Annotated[/caption]

(Yellowknife Formation Annotated)

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Our little rover, Curiosity, has traveled very far, since we watched it land all those months ago. On several occasions, in the past, I have shown images of the tracks behind Curiosity. While those images are great for seeing recent progress by Curiosity, only a view from space can give us the whole picture. The image below is just that, and view of Curiosity’s progress via track marks in the Martian soil. Look closely, and you can see the great journey Curiosity has made in 527 days.

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[caption id="attachment_2260" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Curiosity Rover Tracks, Viewed from Orbit in December 2013[/caption]

(Rover Curiosity Tracks in the Martian Soil)

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Our final image of the day is a close-up of a rock. Yeah, I know but this rock holds a little secret. This image was taken by the ChemCam on the mast arm of Curiosity, and done with a precision laser.

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[caption id="attachment_2259" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Crystals in Martian Rock Gale Crater[/caption]

(Crystal formations in Rock from Gale Crater)

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Well, MY Dear Readers, that brings us to the end of this edition of The Mars Report. I am happy to be back and bring you images from our celestial brother planet, Mars. I hope that you have enjoyed the images I have shared, and maybe that you learned a little more about Mars.

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I would like to make you all, My Dear Readers, a promise to keep publishing this series on a regular basis. I can promise to do my level best to do just that, however, between my growing hunger and pain in my left hand and neck… I will do my level best. I enjoy creating and sharing many different types of content for you, My Dear Readers. Although, it has never been about just what I enjoy… doing. It all, really, boils down to what one person can get done in one day… in my current condition. My medical condition will never improve. At least not with my limited resources. My resolve has never been better, my desire never stronger. I… just… at times… need a little help.

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Below you will see an image of me, in my wheelchair. Below that is a link to The Other Shoe eBay Store. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am left in a position where I must work hard to try and improve my financial situation. I could start an Indiegogo Campaign. I am not to that point, yet. I fear that I would not garner much financial support… at this time. Let me know if I am wrong!

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I would rather garner support by selling personal items and hoping for the best. Having said, please look at the items I have for sale. If, however, you do not see anything that you would like to own? IF you still would like to help me out? There is always contributions via PayPal. I am listed as Daniel Hanning with the email of Enzomatrix@earthlink.net. Any contribution will be greatly appreciated and used for food and rent. I sincerely apologize for this intrusion… and for asking for your support. In all of the 350+ articles I have written… I try very hard to not engage in asking for assistance.

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As always I am deeply honored that you come here and read my work.

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Thank YOU! .

[caption id="attachment_1812" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Just a shot of a VERY thankful Danny in His Power Chair[/caption]

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[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="234"] The Other Shoe eBay Store[/caption]

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