This animation was taken from the NASA movie Magellan: Mapping the Planet Venus (CMP 399). It was digitized by Calvin J. Hamilton.
DescriptionThis computer generated animation creates a simulated flight over the northwestern portion of Lavinia Planitia and Alpha Regio. We see impact craters and a broad 800 mile wide region of complex ridged terrain.
Magellan radar images are combined with altimetry to develop a three dimensional map of the surface. Radarclinometry and simulated color are used to enhance the small scale structure of the surface features.
Our flight begins with a view of three craters: Howe. Danilova. Aglaonice. We fly over the complex terrain of Alpha Regio, a large ovoid-shaped feature named Eve and seven circular domes. The flight ends with a view of Stuart crater.
Computer animation techniques were used to create this simulated flight over the surface of Venus. This video sequence uses radar mapping data recorded by the Magellan spacecraft during September 1990 to February 1991.
Simulated color approximates hues which might be seen by the human eye, based on color images recorded by the Venera 13 and 14 spacecraft. The brightness variations are due to changes in roughness, slope and composition.
The vertical scale of this flight is exaggerated by a factor of 22.5. Five mosaics of radar images from selected orbits were used to create this animation sequence.