Hematite in Capri Chasma (Image Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of Arizona)
NASA
Mars exploration isn’t all about Curiosity and Opportunity rovers. NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has snapped loads of beautiful hi-resolution images of the red planet's surface since 2006.
The spacecraft, which is operated by the University of Arizona,
is equipped with a $40 million HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging
Science Experiment) camera.
The device is the largest aperture reflecting telescope ever sent
on a space mission, and is capable of taking 0.3 megapixel
pictures.
Mars is known as the red planet, but the HiRISE images have been
enhanced by ‘false coloring,’ which helps scientists track
changes on the planet’s surface.
1. The Noctis Labyrinthus, or 'Labyrinth of the Night,' received
its name due to its steep-walled valleys which intersect to
resemble a maze-like structure.
2. The eroded badlands at Aram Chaos, a vast crater near the
equator of Mars, have been nearly filled with sedimentary rocks.
3. The so-called ‘inverted crater’ in the Arabia Terra region of
Mars spans about 250 meters in diameter.
4. One of the first sand dunes to be discovered on Mars was found
by scientists inside the Proctor Crater.
5. The rich clay deposits of the Nili Fossae region make it one
of the most attractive areas for Mars researchers, as they
provide conditions allowing organic materials to be preserved.
6. A giant snake-like dune, or barchan, in the Hellas impact
basin of Mars was formed due to winds blowing in the same
direction for a long period of time.
7. A fresh crater is seen on the Martian surface, complete with
colored dust which was kicked up during an impact.
8. The Curiosity rover (lower left quadrant) and the tracks it
laid on the surface of mars, as shot by the HiRISE camera.
9. A high-flying dust storm was pictured from orbit in the
Amazonia Planitia region of Mars in late spring.
10. Dust devils leave twisted and fascinating tracks on the sandy
surface of the red planet.