From NASA's Planetary Photojournal
This hemispheric view of Venus is centered at 270 degrees east longitude. The Magellan spacecraft radar imaged more than 98% of Venus at a resolution of about 100 meters; but the effective resolution of this image is about 3 km. A mosaic of the Magellan images (most with illumination from the west) forms the image base. Gaps in the Magellan coverage were filled with images from the Earth-based Arecibo radar in a region centered roughly on 0 degree latitude and longitude, and with a neutral tone elsewhere (primarily near the south pole). The composite image was processed to improve contrast and to emphasize small features, and was color-coded to represent elevation. Gaps in the elevation data from the Magellan radar altimeter were filled with data from the Venera spacecraft and the U.S. Pioneer Venus missions. An orthographic projection was used, simulating a distant view of one hemisphere of the planet.
Image Title: Hemispheric View of Venus Centered at 270 Degrees East Longitude
Catalog #: PIA00160
Target Name: Venus
Mission: Magellan
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Last Modified On: Sunday, December 17, 2000