This sort of thing actually happens quite often. The crater is BRIGHT and has maxed-out the sensor. There is an error in the software tables between different parts of the software. One assumes that the 8-bit software runs from 0 (darkest) to 255 (brightest). The assumes 1-256. The pixels are assigned 256 on the 1-256 scale, but this number (255+1) is interpreted as 0 in another part of the software and is displayed as black.
This sort of software error is common with the influx of young guys into the aerospace and imaging industry and a lot of re-inventing of wheels, especially in ESA.
It's one reason why rockets fail and probes crash, too. Imagine is this was a control loop for a thruster vector:-
"Go hard right"
"RIGHT I said"
"Oh, the OTHER right..."
Space/Science » in reply to A plain in Mars, nothing special....and then..ooops,a whole!!
Digital Mirage
The whole thread (78 posts)
- A plain in Mars, nothing special....and then..ooops,a whole!!
- The secret entrance to the Martian Underground...
- re: A plain in Mars, nothing special....and then..ooops,a whole!!
- Digital Mirage
- This is probably the most fascinating mars picture I have seen yet...
- Does it still look like a HOLE??? (image enhanced)
- These holes should be a top priority for Scout or New Horizon type missions
- Short Scientific paper on the Martian holes
- It's the shadow of Phobos. (n/t)
- And that's not the only one
- re: A plain "on" Mars... (n/t)
- RE:That's really incredible - Daniel - 5/26/2007 1:17:26 PM
- That's really incredible
- Several mysteries discussed
- Fascinating! Potential for a human base there?
- re: Potential for a human base there?
- Can we learn anything by hitting it with radar?