These stereoscopic visuals depict close-up shots of ancient asteroid Bennu material collected during NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission and transported to Earth on September 24, 2023. The material is positioned atop the TAGSAM (Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism), the device employed for sample retrieval from the asteroid in 2020. Currently, both the sample and TAGSAM reside in a controlled clean room within NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, under the supervision of the Astromaterials Curation Facility. Image credits go to Erika Blumenfeld and Joseph Abersold for the original captures, with Brian May and Claudia Manzoni handling the stereo processing of these images.
The OSIRIS-REx mission, originally not designed for stereoscopic imaging, saw a transformative contribution from Brian May and Claudia Manzoni. Leveraging the mission’s extensive visual data, they created three-dimensional representations of asteroid Bennu.
The task of generating stereoscopic images of asteroid Bennu wasn’t part of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission’s initial scope. However, civilian contributors Claudia Manzoni and Brian May, renowned Queen guitarist and astrophysicist, were invited by mission principal investigator Dante Lauretta to collaborate with the science team and explore opportunities for stereoscopy within the wealth of visual data acquired by the spacecraft’s cameras at Bennu.
Their approach involved identifying pairs of images capturing Bennu’s surface from slightly divergent viewpoints, a parameter known as the “baseline.” This precise baseline is essential for imparting depth and realism to stereoscopic viewing, emulating our natural perception in real life. When executed correctly, the subtle disparities between the components of the stereo pair, referred to as “parallax differences,” allow our brains to instantaneously perceive depth and solidity within the image.
In this particular instance, featuring the secure delivery of the Bennu sample to Earth, the curation team facilitated the process. During the TAGSAM head’s careful manipulation after its removal from the avionics deck at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, photographs were taken from various angles. This allowed for the identification of a near-ideal pair, revealing the intricate structure of a handful of the asteroid’s dark, coal-black grains.
It’s possible to view this side-by-side stereoscopic pair without a stereoscope by gently relaxing the eyes’ convergence, as if peering through the screen into infinity. Nonetheless, the most immersive experience can be achieved by employing a stereoscope, mirroring the approach used by the OSIRIS-REx mission team while searching for a safe location on asteroid Bennu’s surface to execute the delicate Touch-and-Go sampling maneuver.
Notably, the most substantial “boulders” visible in these images measure approximately 1 centimeter in diameter. This presentation encapsulates a significant moment in history, inviting all to relish this remarkable achievement.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Asteroid Bennu Stereoscopic Images
What are these stereoscopic images?
These stereoscopic images are visual representations of ancient asteroid Bennu material collected during NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission and brought back to Earth on September 24, 2023. They provide a three-dimensional view of this celestial material.
Who processed these images?
Brian May, renowned Queen guitarist and astrophysicist, along with Claudia Manzoni, played a pivotal role in processing and creating these stereoscopic images. They utilized the vast visual data obtained during the OSIRIS-REx mission to generate these 3D representations.
How were these stereoscopic images created?
To create stereoscopic images, pairs of pictures capturing Bennu’s surface from slightly different angles, known as the “baseline,” were identified. This baseline is crucial for creating a sense of depth and realism. The differences between these pairs, called “parallax differences,” allow our brains to perceive depth when viewing them stereoscopically.
What’s the significance of these images?
These images offer a unique glimpse into the intimate structure of the collected Bennu material. They showcase details that wouldn’t be discernible in traditional 2D images, providing valuable insights for scientific analysis.
Can I view these images without special equipment?
Yes, it’s possible to view these stereoscopic images without a stereoscope by gently relaxing your eyes’ convergence, as if looking through the screen into infinity. However, for the most immersive experience, it’s recommended to use a stereoscope, similar to how the OSIRIS-REx mission team examined them during the search for a safe sampling location on Bennu’s surface.
How big are the objects seen in these images?
The largest objects visible in these images are approximately 1 centimeter in diameter. This provides a scale for understanding the size of the grains of Bennu material depicted in the stereoscopic images.
More about Asteroid Bennu Stereoscopic Images
- NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Mission: Learn more about NASA’s mission to collect and study material from asteroid Bennu.
- Brian May: Explore the official website of Brian May, the Queen guitarist and astrophysicist who contributed to processing these images.
- Claudia Manzoni: Discover more about Claudia Manzoni, one of the individuals involved in processing the stereoscopic images.
- Stereoscopic Imaging: Understand the concept of stereoscopy and how it creates the illusion of depth in images.
- Asteroid Bennu: Get detailed information about asteroid Bennu, the target of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission.
1 comment
parallax diff’s = depth perception? wow!