NASA Technique for Manipulating Satellite Photos Now Reveals Ancient Images
Algorithm NASA first applied to satellite imagery is now used to peer into antiquity
Ancient paintings in Cambodia's Angkor Wat temple, depicting horseback riders and a musical ensemble, have been discovered using a technique developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. These faded images, invisible to the casual observer, were identified by an archaeologist between 2010 and 2012. The method, called decorrelation stretch, enhances contrasts in digital imagery, making details more visible.
Jon Harman, a retired rock art enthusiast from California, discovered the potential of this technique while examining NASA images of the Martian surface. He had previously worked in medical imaging, which helped him understand the algorithm's application. Harman created a plug-in for ImageJ, an open-source program developed by the National Institutes of Health, to apply the technique.
Written by urgent.news from NASA's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
