First Mini-TES data from Mars

The first Mini-TES data has now been transmitted to Earth and calibrated. It will now be used to help determine Spirit’s first destinations once it leaves its platform. Two images have been released (click on the image for a larger view of each). These images show the Martian terrain through the eyes of the Mini-TES instrument. The different colored circles show a range of soil and rock temperatures, with red representing warmer regions and blue, cooler. Scientists and engineers will use this data to pinpoint features of interest, and to plot a safe course for the rover free of hazy dust. The mini-thermal emission spectrometer data has been superimposed on images taken by the rover’s panoramic camera.