Sounds like SciFi, yes? SciFi? No!
After seeing Google add some sea bed material to Google Maps, I started to wonder about radar based maps of other places. Like the Moon.
I remember the excitement Ranger 7 images generated. And that in grainy newspaper reproductions.
With just a little searching, I came across PDS (Planetary Data Services) Geosciences Node (Washington University in St. Louis).
From the web page:
The Geosciences Node of NASA’s Planetary Data System (PDS) archives and distributes digital data related to the study of the surfaces and interiors of terrestrial planetary bodies. We work directly with NASA missions to help them generate well-documented, permanent data archives. We provide data to NASA-sponsored researchers along with expert assistance in using the data. All our archives are online and available to the public to download free of charge.
Which includes:
- Mars
- Venus
- Mercury
- Moon
- Earth (test data for other planetary surfaces)
- Asteroids
- Gravity Models
Even after checking the FAQ, I can’t explain the ordering of these entries. Order from the Sun doesn’t work. Neither does order or distance from Earth. Nor alphabetical sort order. Suggestions?
In any event, enjoy the data set!