A 4-billion-pixel panorama shot of Mars that the user can control from their desktop

While there have been tremendous advances made in aerospace technology in recent years, chances are that a good majority of us are not likely to make it to Mars in our lifetime. 

(Image via)

Those disappointed by this reality will find comfort, however, in Andrew Bodrov’s recent efforts to bring the Red Planet into everyone’s homes. You see, the Estonian photographer, whose previous red plant panoramic efforts let users experience standing next to the Curiosity rover on Mars, has released an incredible new image that is 90,000 by 45,000 pixels rich and uses recent photographs captured by the explorer’s two MastCams.

The panorama itself is below in thumbnail view. The best way to enjoy it is to hit the “play” button and then put the shot in full screen mode to get a full sense of what it’s like to stand on the red planet and take a look around (make to zoom in and enjoy the fine detail of the Martian surface).

Mars Gigapixel Panorama – Curiosity rover: Martian solar days 136-149 in The World

For those wondering as to the status of Curiosity, the rover was hard at work this past week drilling into the Martian surface, whereupon it discovered evidence that Mars was at one point a place capable of hosting life. It will take a brief hiatus in operations come early April as that is the time when Earth and Mars are on opposite sides of the sun — planetary positioning that can mess with communications.

After its mini vacation, the rover’s next goal will be to travel on over to Mount Sharp, the looming mountain to its immediate right, which can be seen in the panorama above.

Story via wired.com

To see more Bodrov panoramas, visit his profile page at 360cities.net