Seeing MER from orbit

How are the orbits of MGS and Odyssey set up? I suspect there is not likely
to be an Opportunity to take a picture of Spirit from either of those two
orbiters when the sun is directory overhead of the rover. If I am not
mistaken, the solar panels are sort of shiny and reflective. If the orbiter
was between the rover and the sun when the sun was directly overhead (and
the rover was fairly level) I wonder if the rover might be easily
detectible?

Jon

"Jon Berndt" wrote in message
...
How are the orbits of MGS and Odyssey set up? I suspect there is not
likely
to be an Opportunity to take a picture of Spirit from either of those two
orbiters when the sun is directory overhead of the rover. If I am not
mistaken, the solar panels are sort of shiny and reflective. If the
orbiter
was between the rover and the sun when the sun was directly overhead (and
the rover was fairly level) I wonder if the rover might be easily
detectible?

Jon



It'd be a pretty slim chance. And the camera would have to have at least a
two meter resolution to see the MER.

Catching the several hundred yards-wide grease spot that Beagle 2 left would
probably be easier.

Doc

"drdoody" wrote

It'd be a pretty slim chance. And the camera would have to have at least a
two meter resolution to see the MER.

A *specular*reflection* ought to be noticeable.

Catching the several hundred yards-wide grease spot that Beagle 2 left
would
probably be easier.

My guess is that the chute fell on it. The chute was not released until
ground contact was made.

Jon

"Jon Berndt" wrote in message
...
| "drdoody" wrote
|
| It'd be a pretty slim chance. And the camera would have to have at least
a
| two meter resolution to see the MER.
|
| A *specular*reflection* ought to be noticeable.
|
| Catching the several hundred yards-wide grease spot that Beagle 2 left
| would
| probably be easier.
|
| My guess is that the chute fell on it. The chute was not released until
| ground contact was made.
|
| Jon
|
|
Or one of the air bags. I understood the chute was released before it
actually landed.

Besides, if it crashed, I doubt there would be much left to see.

I wnder if the radar on Mars Express could 'see' any of the landers?

Brian

--
Brian Gaff....
graphics are great, but the blind can't hear them
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