The Ingenuity helicopter allows you to see the surface of Mars in 3D.

The Ingenuity chopper flew low over the surface of Mars on its 13th mission, imaging one specific patch of rock. Unlike previous flights, which investigated several targets over greater areas, this flight focused on one target in particular, and NASA has now released a 3D image from that journey, revealing a section of the Jezero Crater's South Setah region.

This 3D view of a rock mound called “Faillefeu” was created from data collected by NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter during its 13th flight at Mars on Sept. 4, 2021.

This stereo, or 3D, view (also known as an anaglyph) was made by merging data from two photos taken 16 feet (5 metres) apart by the colour camera aboard Ingenuity and is best viewed with red-blue glasses, NASA notes. If you don't have 3D glasses, don't worry; there is also a 2D version of the image accessible.

This image of an area the Mars Perseverance rover team calls “Faillefeu” was captured by NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter during its 13th flight over Mars on Sept. 4, 2021.

Unlike previous helicopter photographs, which were mostly taken from a greater altitude, this one was taken from just 8 metres (26 feet) over the ground. That is, it enlarges the details of the surface characteristics, especially the principal target: After a mediaeval monastery in the French Alps, the area is known as Faillefeu.

The mound is visible slightly north of the centre of the image, about 33 feet (10 metres) wide, with some huge rocks casting shadows,” NASA reported. “A part of ‘Artuby,' a ridgeline more than half a mile (900 metres) broad, stretches across the top of the image. A couple of the many sand ripples that occupy South Setah may be seen at the bottom of the photograph, going vertically up into the centre.

The Ingenuity helicopter has been executing progressively difficult flights since it arrived on Mars with its accompanying Perseverance rover. Its first mission phase was meant as a technology demonstration, i.e., a test to see if a helicopter could fly in the thin Martian atmosphere. However, it was such a success that it has now moved on to a second phase of operations, in which it explores how helicopters can support future rovers.

Originally Published by Digital Trends.