A Podcast Of Unnecessary Detail 3.4 - Keep Your Trousers on, Archimedes
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Feb 27, 2024 In this episode, they discuss the mystery of the 'ingenuity' helicopter on Mars, the legacy of the game DOOM, and the myths and math of Archimedes. From flight dynamics on Mars to trigonometric calculations in video games, this episode is packed with fascinating topics.
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Ingenuity's Unexpected Success
- Ingenuity, a small helicopter on Mars, was initially intended for five test flights.
- It exceeded expectations, completing 72 flights before a blade tip broke.
Conspiracy Theories about Ingenuity
- Conspiracy theorists questioned Ingenuity's authenticity due to lighter-colored blades in its shadow.
- This was attributed to light reflection or camera artifacts, not fakery.
Explanation of Ingenuity's Shadow Anomaly
- Ingenuity's lighter blade shadows are due to the camera's near-infrared sensor and its global shutter.
- Residual light is gathered even after the pixel "shutter" closes, brightening the blade area.