© NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of ArizonaHematite in Capri Chasma
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.
© NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of ArizonaThe Noctis Labyrinthus, or 'Labyrinth of the Night,' received its name due to its steep-walled valleys which intersect to resemble a maze-like structure.
© NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of ArizonaThe eroded badlands at Aram Chaos, a vast crater near the equator of Mars, have been nearly filled with sedimentary rocks.
© NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of ArizonaThe so-called ‘inverted crater’ in the Arabia Terra region of Mars spans about 250 meters in diameter.
© NASA / JPL-CaltechOne of the first sand dunes to be discovered on Mars was found by scientists inside the Proctor Crater.
© NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of ArizonaThe 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.
© NASA / JPL-CaltechA 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.
© NASA / JPL-CaltechA fresh crater is seen on the Martian surface, complete with colored dust which was kicked up during an impact.
© NASA / JPL-CaltechThe Curiosity rover (lower left quadrant) and the tracks it laid on the surface of mars, as shot by the HiRISE camera.
© NASA / JPL-CaltechA high-flying dust storm was pictured from orbit in the Amazonia Planitia region of Mars in late spring.
© NASA / JPL-CaltechDust devils leave twisted and fascinating tracks on the sandy surface of the red planet.
The caption on the 2nd pic at the top says: `The eroded badlands at Aram Chaos, a vast crater near the equator of Mars, have been nearly filled with sedimentary rocks.' From the way I see it, the basin appears to be filled with water reflecting the cliffs that encase the `lake'.
The second to last pic captioned: `A high-flying dust storm was pictured from orbit in the Amazonia Planitia region of Mars in late spring.'
Well, I am no scientist nor was I there but, if the ground surface is without question `red' color appearing, why is the `dust' raised by the `storm' a brilliant WHITE? Logic would state that it should have a `reddish' hue to it. Looks like SMOKE to me. Maybe the guys who were caught cleaning the solar panels on the Rover decided to have lunch and built a small fire to cook their wienies....
Just saying?