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What is CRISM? The Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) is 1 of 6 science experiments on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which takes measurements of both the surface and the atmosphere of Mars. CRISM data are used to find minerals’ spectral signatures on Mars. Different minerals form in different settings, ranging from ancient lakes and deltas to volcanic lava flows. We use the mineral evidence to understand how different geologic processes have shaped the planet over time. CRISM also observes the polar ice caps and atmosphere to understand seasonal and year-to-year variations in the Martian weather. |
Featured ImagesLatest NewsFebruary 9, 2018 January 11, 2018 July 29, 2016 June 15, 2016 May 3, 2016 March 17, 2016 Team ProfilesRead about the career paths that led members of the CRISM team into space exploration. CRISM Spectral LibraryThe MRO CRISM Spectral Library is an analysis tool for interpreting CRISM data. it currently contains 2,260 spectral analyses of 1,134 Mars-analog samples, all measured under desiccating conditions so that materials that adsorb water look as they would on Mars. This was made avaialble to the community through the PDS on the day that MRO entered Mars orbit! |
The MICA Files » The MICA Files is a compilation of published descriptions and type locations of unique spectral features identified on Mars by using data from CRISM. Learn more » CRISM Quickmap
Revealing Questions Why does CRISM need two separate detectors?At the time CRISM was built, no single detector was sensitive to light across the full 400 to 4000 nanometer wavelength range. It needed two separate spectrometers that share a common telescope, each with its own detector, to observe both the infrared (IR) wavelengths and visible/ near-infrared (VNIR) wavelengths. Some minerals that CRISM detects are only distinctive at VNIR wavelengths but others have the majority of their diagnostic features at IR wavelengths. Since CRISM was built, new technology has been developed that can respond to CRISM's full wavelength range on a single detector. CRISM Facts CRISM data were essential in helping choose the landing site for the Mars Science Laboratory mission (the Curiosity rover) and will help with the Mars 2020 Rover! |
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