Weve long known what Mars looks like, but the Perseverance rover is finally teaching us how it sounds.
NASAthis week released anarray of audible delightscaptured by the six-wheeled spacecraft.
The sounds of gusting winds, rattling wheels, and whirring motors provide a new perspective on Mars.
They also play key a role in Perseverances science mission.
Perseverance is equipped with two microphones, both of which are off-the-shelf devices.
One sits on the buggys chassis and listens to the wheels and internal systems of the rover.
The other mic is attached to the spacecrafts mast.
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The mics position allows it to monitor minute shifts in air that offer insights into the Martian atmosphere.
The mast mic is also providing clues about how sound propagates on the planet.
It shows you just how important it is to do field science.
As well as supporting scientists, the recordings can give us all new ways to experience the red planet.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
