FISH-Y!!

Infrared (IR) Images

Visible (VIS) Images

Project Brief

Project Fish-Y, conducted within SES 100: Introduction to Exploration, ventured into the intriguing realm of Martian exploration. Armed with access to THEMIS (Thermal Emission Imaging System) data from Mars Odyssey 2001, our team, with me as the leader, orchestrated commands to capture real-time images of Mars. Focused on a specific crater and utilizing THEMIS's Infrared, Visible, and DCS cameras, our research aimed to discern changes in Martian sand dunes from 2005 to 2021. Surprisingly, no visible alterations were observed, leading to the formulation of intriguing questions about Martian landscapes. This academic odyssey underscores the dynamic interplay of exploration, scientific inquiry, and the pursuit of knowledge in the quest to decode the mysteries of Mars.

Detailed Explanation

Introduction

Project Fish-Y represents a pivotal academic pursuit within the immersive landscape of SES 100: Introduction to Exploration. In this ambitious venture, our group was granted unparalleled access to a wealth of data and images meticulously captured by the sophisticated THEMIS (Thermal Emission Imaging System) camera, a cornerstone of NASA's Mars Odyssey 2001 mission.

Assuming the role of leader within our cohesive group of five, I directed our exploration towards the profound interplay between craters and Martian sand dunes. Our journey involved meticulous research, culminating in the identification of coordinates of particular interest. These coordinates, acting as our gateway to the Martian mysteries, were meticulously conveyed to ASU's Mars Facility, subsequently making their way to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Lockheed Martin. This intricate process granted us the remarkable opportunity to command the THEMIS instrument aboard the Odyssey 2001 mission, capturing real-time, instructive images of Mars.

About THEMIS

The THEMIS spacecraft, an acronym denoting Thermal Emission Imaging System, is a technological marvel integrated into the Mars Odyssey mission. This state-of-the-art instrument comprises three distinct cameras – Infrared, Visible, and DCS (Daytime Color Camera) – collectively engineered to unravel the complexities of the Martian surface with unprecedented detail.

Executing

Navigating the vast Martian terrain from light-years away, our focus honed in on a specific crater consistently imaged over the years by THEMIS. Employing the trifecta of cameras – Infrared, Visible, and DCS – we meticulously observed the nuanced movements of Martian sand dunes. The infrared camera, chosen for its unparalleled ability to unveil intricate details, emerged as the lynchpin of our analytical endeavors. Extending our temporal purview from 2005 to 2021, our objective was to discern any temporal alterations in the Martian sand dunes, seeking insights into the dynamic evolution of this extraterrestrial landscape.

Observation and Analysis

As we delved deeper into our observations, the Martian sand dunes revealed an unexpected resilience, presenting no discernible alterations over the extensive temporal spectrum. This intriguing outcome prompted a nuanced shift in our approach, transcending the confines of a conclusive thesis to pose an array of innovative scientific questions about the Martian landscape. These inquiries spanned a spectrum of aspects, including the influence of crater walls on wind patterns, the composition of sand dunes, wind speeds, the temporal formation of dunes, and the captivating prospect of their slow, imperceptible movement.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the utilization of data from a Martian orbit satellite marks a zenith in my academic journey. This achievement not only stands as a testament to the collective pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of the Red Planet but also underscores the potential for groundbreaking discoveries that lie beyond our terrestrial boundaries. The experience garnered from Project Fish-Y represents a milestone, fostering a deeper appreciation for the intricate dance between science, exploration, and the enigmatic landscapes of distant worlds.

Invitation to Questions

I extend my sincere gratitude to all those who have shown interest in Project Fish-Y. Your curiosity is invaluable, and I welcome any questions or doubts you may have. Feel free to reach out via email, as your inquiries contribute to the ongoing conversation about our Martian exploration. Your engagement underscores the collaborative spirit of scientific exploration, and I am genuinely thankful for your interest in delving deeper into the mysteries of the Red Planet with us.

Final Class Presentation