Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) called Mangalayan that is still in the Earth's orbit has sent the first photograph which is of Helen Cyclone.
When the satellite took photographs on 19th, the depression over the Bay of Bengal was getting intensified to transform into a cyclone. Mangalayan was at a distance of 67975 km when the photo was taken.
When the camera of the satellite was being tested by the scientist its lens caught the picture of Helen cyclone.
The Mangalayan launched from Sriharikota on a journey to Mars to reach the destination by 24th September 2014 after 10 months journey out of which one month will go in the earth’s orbit.
The Camera in fact is meant for taking photographs after entering into Mars orbit and is suitable for the weather on Mars. The satellite will monitor the Martian satellites Phobos and Deimos with the help of this camera.
It was a chance capture of Helen cyclone when the scientists were checking the functioning of the camera on Mangalayan.
-SriJa
