Uploaded October 2016 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
The first-light images of star fields from OCAMS’s MapCam and PolyCam illustrate each camera’s specialized function. MapCam’s medium resolution and wider field of view will help map the entire surface of Bennu in color. While PolyCam’s field of view is much smaller, it can see much fainter objects at a higher resolution. PolyCam’s ability to act as a telescope will help the OSIRIS-REx team spot Bennu while it is still appears as a point of light against a field of stars.
The first-light images of star fields from OCAMS’s MapCam and PolyCam illustrate each camera’s specialized function. MapCam’s medium resolution and wider field of view will help map the entire surface of Bennu in color. While PolyCam’s field of view is much smaller, it can see much fainter objects at a higher resolution. PolyCam’s ability to act as a telescope will help the OSIRIS-REx team spot Bennu while it is still appears as a point of light against a field of stars.
