Magellan radar images are combined with altimetry to create a three dimensional map of the surface. Simulated color and radarclinometry are used to enhance the small scale structure of the surface features.
Our flight begins with a global view of Venus and zooms in to Artemis, the largest corona on Venus. We fly over Mitchell crater into the trough surrounding Artemis. We fly to Diana and Dali chasms. Our flight ends as we ascend for a final view of Artemis.
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.