NASA’s Perseverance rover recorded and returned the first audio from the surface of Mars.
The audio clips were released Monday, along with new video footage of the rover as it landed Thursday.
The audio was picked up by two microphones mounted on Perseverance. In one of the clips you can hear a sound that sounds like wind.
Perseverance successfully landed on the surface of Mars last week, seven months after it was launched into space.
Dave Gruel, chief engineer for the rover’s camera and microphone subsystem, said more clips would come from Mars as Perseverance continues its mission.
“We count on both instruments to capture truly amazing sounds from the surface of Mars,” Gruel said, according to NBC News.
Now that you’ve seen Mars, listen to it. Grab headphones and listen to the first sounds picked up by one of my microphones. https://t.co/JswvAWC2IP#CountdownToMars
– NASA’s Persistence Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) February 22, 2021
“Imagine sitting on the surface of Mars and listening to the environment,” Gruel said in a newsletter. ‘It is cool. Really neat. Overwhelming, if you like. ‘
NASA posted the first color photos of Mars last week. According to NASA’s Hallie Gengl, the photos are “really high resolution” compared to what was previously taken by NASA.
An open horizon, with so much to discover. Can’t wait to get started. #CountdownToMars pic.twitter.com/hAaxeVGs04
– NASA’s Persistence Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) February 19, 2021