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NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows shows dark wind streaks formed by removal of a thin veneer of bright dust covering small craters and lava flow surfacesnorthwest of Olympus Mons on Mars. | 17 December 2004This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows dark wind streaks formed by removal of a thin veneer of bright dust covering small craters and lava flow surfacesnorthwest of Olympus Mons near 28.4°N, 129.8°W. Streak orientations indicate that the responsible winds blew from the east/southeast (right/lower right) toward the west/northwest (left/upper left). The image covers an area about 3 km (1.9 mi) wide. Sunlight illuminates thescene from the lower left. | |
These profiles show the brightness of aurora emission in Mars' atmosphere at different altitudes. The data are from observations by the Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph instrument (IUVS) on NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution orbiter, or MAVEN. | These profiles show the brightness of aurora emission in Mars' atmosphere at different altitudes. The data are from observations by the Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph instrument (IUVS) on NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution orbiter, or MAVEN. The solid black profile on the right shows the aurora during a September 2017 solar storm. Barely visible along the vertical axis is a dashed profile representing the previous brightest aurora seen by MAVEN, which occurred in March 2015. The recent event is more than 25 times brighter than the previous brightest aurora seen by MAVEN, which has been orbiting Mars since September 2014.NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the MAVEN project for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. MAVEN's principal investigator is based at the University of Colorado Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, where the mission's IUVS team is also based. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, built and operates the spacecraft. For more information about MAVEN, visit http://www.nasa.gov/maven and http://lasp.colorado.edu/home/maven/. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows two circular features in the south polar region of Mars. The circular features are degraded impact craters. The dark, irregular features in each crater are the remnants of a layer of material. | 8 October 2005This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows two circular features in the south polar region of Mars. The circular features are degraded impact craters. The dark, irregular features in each crater are the remnants of a layer of material that probably once covered the entire scene, before being eroded away. All of the terrain in this image is covered by defrosting, seasonal carbon dioxide frost.Location near: 79.5°S, 295.0°W Image width: width: ~3 km (~1.9 mi) Illumination from: upper left Season: Southern Spring | |
NASA Dedicates Martian Landmarks To Apollo 1 Crew | An image taken from Spirit's PanCam looking west depicts the nearby hills named after the astronauts of the Apollo 1. The crew of Apollo 1 perished in flash fire during a launch pad test of their Apollo spacecraft at Kennedy Space Center, Fl. on January 27, 1967.The inset above is an image taken by the Mars Global Surveyor's Mars Orbiter Camera of the Columbia Memorial Station and the nearby hills named after the Apollo 1 crew. "Grissom Hill" is located 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) to the Southwest of the rover Spirit's landing site. "White Hill" is 11.2 kilometers (7 miles) Northwest of its position and "Chaffee Hill" is 14.3 kilometers (8.9 miles) south-Southwest of Spirit. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows a spiraling feature known as a cycloidal marking on Mars. | MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-382, 5 June 2003The spiraling feature near the center of this Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image is known as a cycloidal marking. Patterns like this can also occur on Earth. On Mars, the cycloidalpattern--and all of the other dark streaks in this picture--are thought to have been formed by passing dust devils. On Earth, cycloidal markings have been observed to result from some tornadoes. The pattern is created when more than one vortex (spinning column of air) is traveling, and spinning, together. This picture is near 62.9°S, 234.7°W. Sunlight illuminates the scene from the upper left. | |
This image captured by NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows part of the north polar cap. This image is along the cap margin. | Context image This VIS image shows part of the north polar cap. This image is along the cap margin. The buried remnants of an impact crater are visible in the bottom half of the frame.Orbit Number: 63399 Latitude: 84.0203 Longitude: 138.418 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2016-03-30 02:11Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows Vastitas Borealis plain, north of Utopia Planitia on Mars. curved crater rims are visible in the upper and lower quarters of the image, and the crater floor is visible at the center right. | March 1999--it is summer in the martian northern hemisphere, yet patches of frost or snow persist in some areas of the northern plains. Winter ended eight months earlier, in July 1998. Recently, the Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) passed over a relatively small impact crater located at latitude 68°N (on the Vastitas Borealis plain, north of Utopia Planitia) and took the picture seen at the left, above. The curved crater rims are visible in the upper and lower quarters of the image, and the crater floor is visible at the center right.The picture on the right is a magnified view of the crater rim area outlined by a white box in the image on the left. The bright patches are snow or frost left over from the martian winter. These snowfields are so small that a human could walk across one of them in a matter of minutes--or perhaps sled down the small, sloping patch that is seen in a shadowed area near the lower left.In winter, the entire scene shown here would be covered by frost. The long strip at the left covers an area 3 km (1.9 mi) wide by 26 km (16 mi) long. The expanded view on the right covers an area 2.9 km (1.8 mi) by 5.3 km (3.3 mi). Illumination is from the upper right.Malin Space Science Systems and the California Institute of Technology built the MOC using spare hardware from the Mars Observer mission. MSSS operates the camera from its facilities in San Diego, CA. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Mars Surveyor Operations Project operates the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft with its industrial partner, Lockheed Martin Astronautics, from facilities in Pasadena, CA and Denver, CO. | |
This false-color image released on Sept 9, 2004 from NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey shows Valles Marineris on Mars, the largest canyon in the solar system. If this canyon were on Earth, it would stretch from New York to Los Angeles. | The Odyssey spacecraft has taken some great pictures of Valles Marineris, the largest canyon in the solar system. If this canyon were on Earth, it would stretch from New York to Los Angeles. For the next several weeks, the Image of the Day will tour some of the canyons that make up this vast system. We will start with Ius Chasma in the west, and end with Coprates Chasma to the east. For more information on Vallis Marineris, please see http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mep/science/vm.html.This daytime false-color image was collected during the southern spring season.Image information: VIS instrument. Latitude -7.3, Longitude 281.3 East (78.7 West). 19 meter/pixel resolution.Note: this THEMIS visual image has not been radiometrically nor geometrically calibrated for this preliminary release. An empirical correction has been performed to remove instrumental effects. A linear shift has been applied in the cross-track and down-track direction to approximate spacecraft and planetary motion. Fully calibrated and geometrically projected images will be released through the Planetary Data System in accordance with Project policies at a later time.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
This image captured by NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows graben called Claritas Fossae. | Context image Today's VIS image shows graben called Claritas Fossae.Orbit Number: 66332 Latitude: -35.5437 Longitude: 251.308 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2016-11-26 15:54Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows smooth, mantled surfaces, as well as bare, rocky surfaces on Mars. | The Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) was designed to be able to see objects the size of automobiles and small buildings on the martian surface. Of course, the Mars Global Surveyor science teams do not expect to find buildings and automobiles...but boulders, instead. These pictures show a typical MOC scene in the martian equatorial cratered highlands. The picture on the left (above) is a MOC wide angle context frame, showing the location of the high resolution image on the right. The high resolution image exhibits slopes and valleys that occur within an ancient impact crater that is about 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) across, located at 6.5°S, 218.8°W in the Aeolis region of Mars.The high resolution view shows smooth, mantled surfaces, as well as bare, rocky surfaces. The bare surfaces are typically located on slopes. Small rounded knobs -- particularly in the upper left corner of the image -- are boulders. A few boulders have rolled down the slopes and are deposited in the valleys. The high resolution image covers a very small area -- only 3 km wide by 4.2 km tall (1.9 miles by 2.6 miles). Both images were obtained at the same time, and both are illuminated by sunlight from the left. North is toward the upper right.Malin Space Science Systems and the California Institute of Technology built the MOC using spare hardware from the Mars Observer mission. MSSS operates the camera from its facilities in San Diego, CA. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Mars Surveyor Operations Project operates the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft with its industrial partner, Lockheed Martin Astronautics, from facilities in Pasadena, CA and Denver, CO. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows narrow channels and small impact craters on the north flank of the Elysium volcano, Hecates Tholus on Mars. | 24 February 2005 This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows narrow channels and small impact craters on the north flank of the Elysium volcano, Hecates Tholus.Location near: 34.0°N, 210.3°W Image width: ~1 km (~0.6 mi) Illumination from: upper left Season: Southern Winter | |
This image from NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows a bowl-shaped crater on the martian northern plains with a mysterious radiant pattern of zones with and without boulders and rocks. | 4 August 2006This This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a bowl-shaped crater on the martian northern plains with a mysterious radiant pattern of zones with and without boulders and rocks. The rocky areas are seen as dark dots, the rock-free areas lack these spots. Craters like this are fairly common on the northern plains; some also occur at a similar latitudes in the southern hemisphere. When the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) team first saw these, earlier this decade, they called them"pinwheel craters" (see PIA05611). The exact cause of the boulder and streak distribution is uncertain.Location near: 61.3°N, 88.4°W Image width: ~3 km (~1.9 mi) Illumination from: lower left Season: Northern Spring | |
This pair of images from the Mast Camera on NASA's Curiosity rover shows the upper portion of a wind-blown deposit dubbed 'Rocknest.' At left, colors are unmodified, showing the scene as it would appear on Mars, which has a dusty red-colored atmosphere. | This pair of images from the Mast Camera on NASA's Curiosity rover shows the upper portion of a wind-blown deposit dubbed "Rocknest." The rover team recently commanded Curiosity to take a scoop of soil from a region located out of frame, below this view. The soil was then analyzed with the Chemistry and Mineralogy instrument, or CheMin. The colors in the image at left are unmodified, showing the scene as it would appear on Mars, which has a dusty red-colored atmosphere. The image at right has been white-balanced to show what the same area would look like under the lighting conditions on Earth.The rounded rock located at the upper center portion of the images is about 8 inches (0.2 meters) across.JPL manages the Mars Science Laboratory/Curiosity for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The rover was designed, developed and assembled at JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.For more about NASA's Curiosity mission, visit: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/msl, http://www.nasa.gov/mars, and http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/msl. | |
This image from NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows small bright dunes occurring along the margins of the graben that crosses this image. The graben is an extension of Noctis Labyrinthus into Sinai Planum. | Context image for PIA09457Dunes in GrabenSmall bright dunes occur along the margins of the graben that crosses this image. The graben is an extension of Noctis Labyrinthus into Sinai Planum.Image information: VIS instrument. Latitude -13.6N, Longitude 266.3E. 17 meter/pixel resolution.Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.Note: this THEMIS visual image has not been radiometrically nor geometrically calibrated for this preliminary release. An empirical correction has been performed to remove instrumental effects. A linear shift has been applied in the cross-track and down-track direction to approximate spacecraft and planetary motion. Fully calibrated and geometrically projected images will be released through the Planetary Data System in accordance with Project policies at a later time.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
Layered Outcrops in Gusev Crater | NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit acquired the images that went into this color composite with its panoramic camera around 1:00 p.m. martian time on its 270th martian day, or sol (Oct. 5, 2004). The view represents the panoramic-camera team's best current attempt at generating a "true color" view of what this scene would look like if viewed by a human on Mars. It was generated from a mathematical combination of six calibrated images acquired through filters for wavelengths between 430 nanometers and 750 nanometers. | |
This image from NASA's Mars Odyssey shows the rugged region called Nepenthes Mensae, between the highlands of Terra Cimmeria and the low plains of Nepenthes Planum. | Context imageBetween the highlands of Terra Cimmeria and the low plains of Nepenthes Planum lies the rugged region called Nepenthes Mensae. Hills in this region vary in height and the surrounding surface can vary greatly in texture. The term mensae means a flat-topped prominence with cliff-like edges. Hepenthes Mensae is the largest mensae on Mars, covering 2176km (1352 miles) in length.Orbit Number: 86459 Latitude: -0.0956089 Longitude: 129.864 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2021-06-11 08:10Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft takes a look at THEMIS image as art. Many science-fiction writers have postulated many life forms on Mars. A spooky skull stares out of the Martian plain. | Welcome to another brief interval of THEMIS Images as Art. For two weeks, we will be showcasing images for their aesthetic value rather than their science content. Portions of these images resemble things in our everyday lives, from animals to letters of the alphabet. We hope you enjoy our fanciful look at Mars!A spooky skull stares out of the Martian plain.Note: this THEMIS visual image has not been radiometrically nor geometrically calibrated for this preliminary release. An empirical correction has been performed to remove instrumental effects. A linear shift has been applied in the cross-track and down-track direction to approximate spacecraft and planetary motion. Fully calibrated and geometrically projected images will be released through the Planetary Data System in accordance with Project policies at a later time.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows a dust-mantled crater in central Arabia Terra on Mars. Light and dark slope streaks have formed on the crater walls, as dry dust has slid down the slopes. | 21 November 2005This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a dust-mantled crater in central Arabia Terra. Light and dark slope streaks have formed on the crater walls, as dry dust has slid down the slopes.Location near: 12.7°N, 319.1°W Image width: width: ~3 km (~1.9 mi)Illumination from: lower left Season: Northern Autumn | |
The Tharsis Montes region on Mars is a major center of volcanic and tectonic activity. The channel in this image from NASA's Mars Odyssey is west of the relatively small volcano called Biblis Patera although it shows no obvious relationship to it. | The Tharsis Montes region on Mars is a major center of volcanic and tectonic activity. The channel in this image is west of the relatively small volcano called Biblis Patera although it shows no obvious relationship to that volcano. Instead, it may be related to the more distant, but more massive volcano Olympus Mons to the north. The channel may have hosted flowing lava at one time but now contains a material that has eroded into an impressive ridge-and-groove pattern. These features may be yardangs, landforms produced from the erosion by wind of sedimentary material.Note: this THEMIS visual image has not been radiometrically nor geometrically calibrated for this preliminary release. An empirical correction has been performed to remove instrumental effects. A linear shift has been applied in the cross-track and down-track direction to approximate spacecraft and planetary motion. Fully calibrated and geometrically projected images will be released through the Planetary Data System in accordance with Project policies at a later time.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
This image from NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows several channels dissecting the rim of Semeykin Crater. | Context imageThis VIS image shows several channels dissecting the rim of Semeykin Crater.Orbit Number: 54067 Latitude: 40.9448 Longitude: 8.39087 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2014-02-20 17:59Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
This image from NASA's Mars Odyssey shows part of the northern extent of Eumenides Dorsum, a large linear rise located in southern Amazonis Planitia. | Context imageToday's VIS image shows part of the northern extent of Eumenides Dorsum, a large linear rise located in southern Amazonis Planitia. This area of Mars is dominated by poorly cemented surface material that is easily eroded by the wind. Features align with wind direction, indicating that the winds in this region blew along a northwest/southeast trend. Eumenides Dorsum is part of the larger Medusa Fossae Formation of wind eroded materials south and southwest of Olympus Mons. The nature of the material being eroded is not known, but may be ash fall deposits, sourced from the Tharsis and Apollinaris volcanoes.Orbit Number: 94031 Latitude: 12.0077 Longitude: 200.046 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2023-02-24 19:40Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity captured this polar projection of its heat shield debris field on Jan. 14, 2005. The main piece of the heat shield is seen, with the smaller flank piece behind it and the divot caused by the impact. | NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity captured this view of its heat shield debris field on the rover's 347th martian day, or sol (Jan. 14, 2005). The view is a southward-looking, 60-degree panorama assembled from four images taken by Opportunity's navigation camera. It is presented as a polar projection with geometric seam correction. | |
Climbing 'Vera Rubin Ridge' provided NASA's Curiosity Mars rover this sweeping vista of the interior and rim of Gale Crater, including much of the rover's route during its first five-and-a-half years on Mars. | Figure 1Figure 2Click on an individual image for full resolution figures imageClimbing "Vera Rubin Ridge" provided NASA's Curiosity Mars rover this sweeping vista of the interior and rim of Gale Crater, including much of the rover's route during its first five-and-a-half years on Mars and features up to about 50 miles (85 kilometers) away.The scene spans from southwest on the left to northeast on the right, combining 16 side-by-side images taken by the left-eye, wider-angle-lens camera of Curiosity's Mast Camera (Mastcam). It has been white-balanced so the colors of the rock materials resemble how they would appear under daytime lighting conditions on Earth.The component images were taken on Oct. 25, 2017, during the 1,856th Martian day, or sol, of the rover's work on Mars. At that point, Curiosity had gained 1,073 feet (327 meters) in elevation and driven 10.95 miles (17.63 kilometers) from its landing site. Mount Sharp stands about 3 miles (5 kilometers) high in the middle of Gale Crater, which spans 96 miles (154 kilometers) in diameter. Vera Rubin Ridge is on the northwestern flank of lower Mount Sharp. The foreground of this panorama shows portions of lower Mount Sharp. The middle distance shows the floor of Gale Crater. Most of the horizon is formed by the crater's rim. The top of the rim is about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) higher than the rover's position. On the horizon near the center of the image is a glimpse outside of Gale Crater, to a peak about 50 miles (85 kilometers) from the rover.An annotated version, Figure 1, indicates the rover's approximate path since its 2012 landing, identifies some of the sites it has investigated along the way, such as "Yellowknife Bay," "The Kimberley," "Namib Dune" and "Murray Buttes"; and points out other geological features visible in the scene, such as the channel of Peace Vallis, an ancient streambed descending from the crater rim. The relative positions of the labeled features are also mapped on an accompanying orbital view in PIA22208, with two areas color-coded for ease of matching them in the annotated panorama and the orbital view.Figure 2 is a version with a white-line box indicating the smaller area covered in a more-detailed vista (PIA22209) taken from this same rover location by Mastcam's right-eye, telephoto-lens camera. It also includes three scale bars: of 50 meters (164 feet) at a distance of 1,170 meters (1,280 yards) near the base of Mount Sharp; of 1,000 meters (1,094 yards) at a distance of about 23.4 kilometers (14.5 miles) near the base of the crater wall; and of 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) at a distance of about 31.5 kilometers (19.6 miles) at the crest of the rim.Malin Space Science Systems, San Diego, built and operates the Mastcam. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages the Mars Science Laboratory Project for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. JPL designed and built the project's Curiosity rover. More information about Curiosity is online at http://www.nasa.gov/msl and http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/. | |
NASA's Perseverance Mars rover will abrade the rock at the center of this image, allowing scientists and engineers to assess whether it would hold up to the rover's more powerful sampling drill. | NASA's Perseverance Mars will use a tool on its robotic arm to abrade the rock, nicknamed "Rochette," at the center of this image, allowing scientists to look inside and determine whether to capture a sample with the rover's coring bit. The image was taken by one of the rover's front Hazard Cameras. A key objective for Perseverance's mission on Mars is astrobiology, including the search for signs of ancient microbial life. The rover will characterize the planet's geology and past climate, pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet, and be the first mission to collect and cache Martian rock and regolith (broken rock and dust).Subsequent NASA missions, in cooperation with ESA (European Space Agency), would send spacecraft to Mars to collect these sealed samples from the surface and return them to Earth for in-depth analysis.The Mars 2020 Perseverance mission is part of NASA's Moon to Mars exploration approach, which includes Artemis missions to the Moon that will help prepare for human exploration of the Red Planet.JPL, which is managed for NASA by Caltech in Pasadena, California, built and manages operations of the Perseverance rover.For more about Perseverance:mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/nasa.gov/perseverance | |
NASA's Mars rover Curiosity left the 'Glenelg' area on July 4, 2013, on a 'rapid transit route' to the entry point for the mission's next major destination, the lower layers of Mount Sharp. | NASA's Mars rover Curiosity left the "Glenelg" area on July 4, 2013, on a "rapid transit route" to the entry point for the mission's next major destination, the lower layers of Mount Sharp. As of Aug. 27, 2013, NASA's Mars rover Curiosity has driven about 0.86 mile (1.39 kilometers) since leaving Glenelg, with about 4.46 miles (7.18 kilometers) remaining to get to the entry point. The rover's drive on Aug. 27, the 376th sol (Martian day) of the mission, was the first Curiosity drive using the rover's autonomous navigation capability to safely drive beyond the area that rover drivers on Earth could evaluate from images before the drive. The rover can analyze stereo images that it takes during the drive and choose the best path to continue driving.The rapid transit route was plotted on the basis of images from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Actual drives are based on images from Curiosity's own cameras, and the total driving distance to the entry point could differ from the length of the rapid transit route. Curiosity's science team has identified some geological waypoints along the rapid transit route where driving may be suspended for a few sols to allow time for studying local features. The rover has about 0.31 mile (500 meters) left to go before reaching the first of these waypoints. For a broader-context image of the area, see https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA16058 .This map shows Curiosity's location at the end of the Sol 376 drive, in the context of the mission's initial drive from the landing site at Bradbury Landing to Glenelg and the route of the current drive from Glenelg to the Mount Sharp entry point. Geological waypoints along the route are also indicated. The base map is from the orbiting HiRISE camera. North is toward the top. The dark ground south of the rapid transit route has dunes of dark, wind-blown material. The 4-kilometer scale bar on the map is about 2.5 miles long.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, manages the Mars Science Laboratory Project for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. JPL designed and built the project's Curiosity rover.More information about Curiosity is online at http://www.nasa.gov/msl and http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/. | |
This mosaic, created from four images taken by NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's microscopic imager, outlines the target on 'Bounce' rock that the rover's rock abrasion tool later abraded. | This mosaic, created from four images taken by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's microscopic imager, outlines the target on "Bounce" rock that the rover's rock abrasion tool will abrade on sol 66.This 6-centimeter-square (2.4-inch-square) area was chosen by the rock abrasion tool team as the most advantageous area for grinding.Preliminary results from the rover's miniature thermal emission spectrometer show that Bounce is rich in hematite. Bounce contains spherules, or "blueberries," like some rocks in the "Eagle Crater" outcrop. However, Bounce's spherules appear smaller and may be formed by an entirely different process. The blueberries seen in the outcrop are typically 3 to 4 millimeters (0.12 to 0.16 inch) each. A good example of a cluster of micro-berries can be seen just left of center in this image. Scientists are currently studying all of the rock's features as well as its chemical content. After next sol's grinding operation, the team will be able to compare the rock's exterior and interior chemical compositions. | |
A 'picket fence' rendition of surface topography in the northern hemisphere of Mars from NASA's Mars Global Surveyor. The profile was obtained during the MGS capture orbit calibration pass on September 15, 1997. | A "picket fence" rendition of surface topography in the northern hemisphere of Mars from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA). The profile was obtained during the Mars Global Surveyor Capture Orbit Calibration Pass on September 15, 1997. The profile runs from 73°N to 10°S latitude and passes through the topographically subdued northern plains, the western part of the Elysium volcanic province, which shows 3 miles (5 kilometers) of relief, and the chaotic "dichotomy" boundary between the northern plains and ancient southern highlands. The MOLA profile is approximately 3000 miles (5000 kilometers) long and has a resolution on the surface of 1000 feet (330 meters) and a vertical resolution of approximately 3 feet (1 meter). | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows the interior of a trough, formed by faulting, on the lower southwest flank of Biblis Patera, a volcano in the Tharsis region of Mars. Boulders attest to the hardness of volcano rock, largely mantled with dust. | 22 July 2005This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a 1.5 meters per pixel (~5 ft/pixel) view of the interior of a trough, formed by faulting, on the lower southwest flank of Biblis Patera, a volcano in the Tharsis region of Mars. Boulders tend to be most common in volcanic regions, attesting to the hardness of the volcanic rock. In this case, the boulders and surrounding terrain have been largely mantled with dust.Location near: 1.3°N, 124.9°W Image width: width: ~3 km (~1.9 mi) Illumination from: lower left Season: Northern Autumn | |
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit acquired this mosaic on May 21, 2007, while investigating the area east of the elevated plateau known as 'Home Plate' in the 'Columbia Hills.' 3D glasses are necessary to view this image. | NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit acquired this mosaic on the mission's 1,202nd Martian day, or sol (May 21, 2007), while investigating the area east of the elevated plateau known as "Home Plate" in the "Columbia Hills." The mosaic shows an area of disturbed soil, nicknamed "Gertrude Weise" by scientists, made by Spirit's stuck right front wheel.The trench exposed a patch of nearly pure silica, with the composition of opal. It could have come from either a hot-spring environment or an environment called a fumarole, in which acidic, volcanic steam rises through cracks. Either way, its formation involved water, and on Earth, both of these types of settings teem with microbial life.Multiple images taken with Spirit's panoramic camera are combined here into a stereo view that appears three-dimensional when seen through red-blue glasses, with the red lens on the left. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows a valley located at north middle-latitudes near Moreux Crater on Mars. This valley might once have been the conduit for a flowing liquid, such as water. | 17 April 2005 This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a valley located at north middle-latitudes near Moreux Crater. This valley might once have been the conduit for a flowing liquid, such as water. Today, the valley is partially filled and the surrounding terrain has the characteristic "roughened" appearance common at middle latitudes in both martian hemispheres.Location near: 40.7°N, 316.4°W Image width: ~3 km (~1.9 mi) Illumination from: lower left Season: Northern Summer | |
This map shows the route driven by NASA's Curiosity Mars rover from the 'Bradbury Landing' location where it landed in August 2012 (the start of the line in upper right) to a major waypoint called 'the Kimberley'. | This map shows the route driven by NASA's Curiosity Mars rover from the "Bradbury Landing" location where it landed in August 2012 (the start of the line in upper right) to a major waypoint called "the Kimberley." The rover reached the Kimberley with a 98-foot (30 meter) drive on the 589th Martian day, or sol, of the rover's work on Mars (April 1, 2014).The Kimberley (formerly called "KMS-9") was selected as a major waypoint for the mission because of the diversity of rock types distinguishable in orbital images, exposed close together at this location in a decipherable geological relationship to each other.The base image for this map is from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. North is up. The dark ground south of the rover's route has dunes of dark, wind-blown material at the foot of Mount Sharp. The scale bar at lower right represents one kilometer (0.62 mile). For broader-context images of the area, see PIA17355, PIA16064 and PIA16058.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, manages the Mars Science Laboratory Project and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Project for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. More information about Curiosity is online at http://www.nasa.gov/msl and http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows | 4 April 2004This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a mesa and two hills-each of them a remnant of formerly more extensive layered material--in the south polar region of Mars. The dark streaks were formed by passing dust devils. This picture is located near 64.6°S, 340.5°W. The image covers an area about 3 km (1.9 mi) across. Sunlight illuminates the scene from the upper left. | |
This graph shows the chemical composition of the rock at Gusev Crater dubbed 'Mazatzal' after it was brushed and ground by NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's rock abrasion tool. | This graph shows the chemical composition of the rock at Gusev Crater dubbed "Mazatzal" after it was brushed and ground by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's rock abrasion tool. The data, taken by the rover's alpha particle X-ray spectrometer over the last few sols, show that the amount of chlorine and sulfur tri-oxide in Mazatzal first increased after brushing, then diminished after grinding. The interior of the rock appears to have the same chemical make-up as other volcanic or basalt rocks studied in the Gusev Crater area ("Adirondack" and "Humphrey"). Its outer coating or rind, on the other hand, appears to be of a different constitution.Scientists are still puzzling out the implications of these data.The larger symbols on the graph represent inferred rock compositions, while the smaller symbols are actual data points. Observations were made at the target dubbed "New York" on Mazatzal. | |
This image from NASA's Mariner 4 shows the crater named after it. A linear ridge runs through the bottom of the crater which is part of Sirenum Fossae on Mars. | Mariner 4 image of the crater named after it, the 151 km diameter Mariner crater at 35 S, 164 W. Running from the lower left corner of the frame through the bottom of the crater is a linear ridge which is part of Sirenum Fossae. The image was taken from 12,600 km and covers 250 km by 254 km. North is up. (Mariner 4, frame 11E)Mariner 4 was the first spacecraft to get a close look at Mars. Flying as close as 9,846 kilometers (6,118 miles), Mariner 4 revealed Mars to have a cratered, rust-colored surface, with signs on some parts of the planet that liquid water had once etched its way into the soil.Mariner 4 was launched on November 28, 1964 and arrived at Mars on July 14, 1965. | |
A Fresh Crater Drills to Tharsis Bedrock | The Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) took this image of a newly formed impact crater in the Tharsis region of Mars at 1316 UTC (8:16 a.m. EST) on Jan. 13, 2007, near 17.0 degrees north latitude, 246.4 degrees east longitude. CRISM's image was taken in 544 colors covering 0.36-3.92 micrometers, and shows features as small as 20 meters (66 feet) across. The region covered by the image is just over 10 kilometers (6 miles) wide at its narrowest point.The Tharsis region is a high volcanic plateau that stands about 5 kilometers (3 miles) above the surrounding plains. The rocks forming Tharsis are younger than in most parts of mars, as evidenced by their low density of craters. The best estimate of their age is comparable to the age of Shergotty-class meteorites thought to originate from Mars. However, Tharsis is covered by a nearly unbroken, meters-thick layer of dust that has frustrated all attempts to measure its bedrock composition remotely, and to determine if it matches the composition of Shergotty-class meteorites.The recent discovery of dark, newly formed impact craters on Mars has provided the CRISM team a chance, finally, to measure the rocks that make up Tharsis. Over the lifetime of the Mars Global Surveyor mission, its high-resolution Mars Orbiter Camera monitored the surface and documented the very recent formation of some two dozen small impact craters. Several of them are in Tharsis and pierce the plateau's dust blanket to expose bedrock. MRO's instruments have been trained on these "drill holes" into Mars' volcanic crust, including the crater shown here.The top image was constructed from three infrared wavelengths that usually highlight compositional variations. This image shows the impact crater, a ring of dark, excavated rock (inset), and a surrounding system of rays. Crater rays are common around young impact craters, and they form when ejected boulders reimpact the surface and stir up the local rock and soil. The colors are bland because the scene is dominated by dust except for the dark crater and the ejecta immediately surrounding it.The bottom image is a spectral map constructed using measurements of the 544-color spectra that separate dust and rock. The bright, deep orange areas are undisturbed dust. The crater rays' chocolate color in this rendition shows that they are slightly darker, more packed-down soil that was exposed by reimpacting boulders. The bright green color immediately around the new crater (inset) is where mafic rock (rock rich in the iron- and magnesium-containing minerals pyroxene and olivine) have been exposed. CRISM's mission: Find the spectral fingerprints of aqueous and hydrothermal deposits and map the geology, composition and stratigraphy of surface features. The instrument will also watch the seasonal variations in Martian dust and ice aerosols, and water content in surface materials -- leading to new understanding of the climate.The Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) is one of six science instruments on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Led by The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, the CRISM team includes expertise from universities, government agencies and small businesses in the United States and abroad. | |
Heavily cratered highlands dominate this view from NASA's Viking Orbiter 1. Toward the lower right, a conspicuous light-colored circular depression marks the ancient large Hellas impact basin. | Center of the orthographic projection is at latitude 30 degrees S., longitude 330 degrees. Heavily cratered highlands dominate this view. Toward the lower right, a conspicuous light-colored circular depression marks the ancient large Hellas impact basin. Directly northeast of Hellas, several large ancient impacts dot the landscape, including Cassini, Schiaparelli, and Huygens. Several large outflow channels are located in the upper left-hand corner. The permanent, residual south polar ice cap is located near the bottom. | |
The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured winter images of NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander surrounded by dry-ice frost on Mars. | The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured winter images of NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander surrounded by dry-ice frost on Mars.As the sun began to reappear on the horizon following the deepest, darkest days of north polar winter on Mars, the HiRISE camera imaged the Phoenix landing site on July 30, 2009, (left image) and in Aug. 22, 2009 (right). The sun was only 1 degree above the horizon when the July image was taken at approximately 2 p.m. local Martian time. In the August image the sun was six degrees above the horizon when the image was taken at about 1:44 p.m., Martian time. By matching up the images with the known location of the Lander, the HiRISE team identified the hardware, disguised by frost, despite the fact that the views were hindered by poor lighting and atmospheric haze, which often obscures the Martian surface at this location and season. Carbon dioxide frost completely blankets the surface in both images. The amount of brightness doesn't necessarily indicate the amount of frost seen in the image because of the way the images are processed to produce optical contrast. Each of these images is stretched differently for optimal contrast, so "bright" and "dark" can't be compared directly between images without doing complex calibrations. In fact, if you stretched all of them exactly the same, the darker areas in the frost covered images are still brighter than typical soil, like that surrounding the Lander in the frost-free image.Other factors affect the relative brightness, such as the size of individual grains of carbon dioxide ice, the amount of dust mixed in with the ice, the amount of sunlight hitting the surface, and different lighting angles and slopes. The winds are also changing direction and strength, moving loose frost and dust around over time.Studying these changes will help scientists understand the nature of the seasonal frost and winter weather patterns in this area of Mars.The amount of carbon dioxide frost is increasing as late winter transitions to early spring, so the layer of frost is getting thicker in each image, slowly encasing the Lander. The maximum thickness was expected to be on the order of tens of centimeters, which would have reached its peak in September 2009. The thickness has not been confirmed yet because the MRO spacecraft suspended taking images when it entered safe mode on August 26. Oct. 26 marked the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere of Mars.The Planetary Society has put together an animation comparing the hardware at different times. http://www.planetary.org/blog/article/00002182/.The Phoenix Mars Lander ceased communications last November, after successfully completing its mission and returning unprecedented science data to Earth. Launched Aug. 4, 2007, Phoenix safely touched down on Mars on May 25, 2008, at a site farther north than where any previous spacecraft had landed. During the first quarter of 2010, teams at JPL will listen to see if Phoenix is still able to communicate with Earth. Springtime thaw images may also be available.These views are a portion of a HiRISE image which is available in full-frame at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_014393_2485.Photojournal Note: As planned, the Phoenix lander, which landed May 25, 2008 23:53 UTC, ended communications in November 2008, about six months after landing, when its solar panels ceased operating in the dark Martian winter. | |
Accumulations of thick dust give way down slopes, crater walls, and other steep terrain in this image from NASA's Mars Odyssey, leaving the dark streaks that are common in the dusty region of Arabia Terra. | Accumulations of thick dust give way down slopes, crater walls, and other steep terrain, leaving the dark streaks that are common in the dusty region of Arabia Terra.Note: this THEMIS visual image has not been radiometrically nor geometrically calibrated for this preliminary release. An empirical correction has been performed to remove instrumental effects. A linear shift has been applied in the cross-track and down-track direction to approximate spacecraft and planetary motion. Fully calibrated and geometrically projected images will be released through the Planetary Data System in accordance with Project policies at a later time.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.Image information: VIS instrument. Latitude 14.7, Longitude 20.3 East (339.7 West). 19 meter/pixel resolution. | |
This image from NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity gives a view to the northeast from the rover's position on Oct. 22, 2008. Multiple rover tracks are seen on Victoria Crater. | This mosaic of frames from the navigation camera on NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity gives a view to the northeast from the rover's position on its 1,687th Martian day, or sol (Oct. 22, 2008).By that date, Opportunity had driven southwestward from Victoria Crater, beginning a long trek toward a larger crater, Endeavour. | |
This region of Arabia Terra has several different layers of material exposed. These layers occur at the highland/lowland boundary on Mars as seen by NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft. | Context image for PIA08759Arabia TerraThis region of Arabia Terra has several different layers of material exposed. These layers occur at the highland/lowland boundary.Image information: VIS instrument. Latitude 26.7N, Longitude 341.0E. 19 meter/pixel resolution.Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.Note: this THEMIS visual image has not been radiometrically nor geometrically calibrated for this preliminary release. An empirical correction has been performed to remove instrumental effects. A linear shift has been applied in the cross-track and down-track direction to approximate spacecraft and planetary motion. Fully calibrated and geometrically projected images will be released through the Planetary Data System in accordance with Project policies at a later time.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
This image from NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows a crater and windstreak located on lava flows from Arsia Mons. The bright center of the windstreak is where dust has been deposited in the shadow of the crater rim. | Context image for PIA09424WindstreakThe crater and windstreak in this image are located on lava flows from Arsia Mons. The bright center of the windstreak is where dust has been deposited in the "shadow" of the crater rim. The darker outer portions of the windstreak are locations where the wind has removed dust from the surface.Image information: VIS instrument. Latitude -15.7N, Longitude 228.1E. 18 meter/pixel resolution.Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.Note: this THEMIS visual image has not been radiometrically nor geometrically calibrated for this preliminary release. An empirical correction has been performed to remove instrumental effects. A linear shift has been applied in the cross-track and down-track direction to approximate spacecraft and planetary motion. Fully calibrated and geometrically projected images will be released through the Planetary Data System in accordance with Project policies at a later time.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Mars rover Curiosity used its front left Hazard-Avoidance Camera for this image of the rover's arm over the drilling target 'Cumberland' during the 275th Martian day, or sol, of the rover's work on Mars (May 15, 2013). | NASA's Mars rover Curiosity used its front left Hazard-Avoidance Camera for this image of the rover's arm over the drilling target "Cumberland" during the 275th Martian day, or sol, of the rover's work on Mars (May 15, 2013). The rover team plans to use Curiosity's drill to collect a powdered sample from the interior of the rock for analysis by laboratory instruments inside the rover. This is the mission's second rock-drilling target. The rover drove from its position beside the first drilling target, "John Klein," to its position beside Cumberland with drives of 121 inches (308 centimeters) on Sol 273 (May 13) and 26.6 inches (67.5 centimeters) on Sol 275. Curiosity's total odometry on Mars is now 2,385 feet (727 meters).JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, manages the Mars Science Laboratory Project for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. JPL designed and built the project's Curiosity rover.For more about NASA's Curiosity mission, visit: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/msl, http://www.nasa.gov/mars, and http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl. | |
This image from NASA's Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover shows a mineral vein with bright and dark portions dominating this image of a Martian rock target called 'Rona,' which is near the southern, upper edge of 'Vera Rubin Ridge' on Mount Sharp. | A mineral vein with bright and dark portions dominates this image of a Martian rock target called "Rona," which is near the southern, upper edge of "Vera Rubin Ridge" on Mount Sharp. The Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) camera on NASA's Curiosity Mars rover took this image on Jan. 17, 2018, during the 1,937th Martian day, or sol, of Curiosity's work on Mars.The grayer area in the center is roughly 2 inches by 3 inches (about 5 by 8 centimeters). That area, including a portion of the vein, was brushed with the Curiosity's wire-bristled Dust Removal Tool before the image was taken.MAHLI was built by Malin Space Science Systems, San Diego. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the Mars Science Laboratory Project for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Washington. JPL designed and built the project's Curiosity rover.More information about Curiosity is online at http://www.nasa.gov/msl and http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/. | |
The interior of Mars is simply modeled as a core and mantle with a thin crust, similar to Earth. The combination of NASA's Mars Pathfinder Doppler data with earlier data from the Viking landers determined a third parameter, the moment of inertia. | The interior of Mars is simply modeled as a core and mantle with a thin crust, similar to Earth. Mars' size and total mass have been determined by previous missions. Given four parameters, the core size and mass, and mantle size and mass can be determined. The combination of Pathfinder Doppler data with earlier data from the Viking landers has determined a third parameter, the moment of inertia, through measurement of Mars' precession rate. A fourth measurement is needed to complete the interior model. This may be achieved through future Doppler tracking of Pathfinder, since the presence of a fluid core may be detectable through its effect on Mars' nutation. The determination of the moment of inertia is a significant constraint on possible models for Mars' interior. If the core is as dense as possible (i.e. completely iron) and the mantle is similar to Earth's (or similar to the SNC meteorites thought to originate on Mars) then the minimum core radius is about 1300 km. If the core is made of less-dense material (i.e. a mixture of iron and sulfur) then the core radius is probably no more than 2000 km.Mars Pathfinder is the second in NASA's Discovery program of low-cost spacecraft with highly focused science goals. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, developed and manages the Mars Pathfinder mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. JPL is a division of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
Photojournal note: Sojourner spent 83 days of a planned seven-day mission exploring the Martian terrain, acquiring images, and taking chemical, atmospheric and other measurements. The final data transmission received from Pathfinder was at 10:23 UTC on September 27, 1997. Although mission managers tried to restore full communications during the following five months, the successful mission was terminated on March 10, 1998. | |
This image captured by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft has low-sun lighting that accentuates the many transverse ridges on this slope, extending from Euripus Mons (mountains). | Map Projected Browse ImageClick on the image for larger versionThis image has low-sun lighting that accentuates the many transverse ridges on this slope, extending from Euripus Mons (mountains).These flow-like structures were previously called "lobate debris aprons," but the Shallow Radar (SHARAD) instrument on MRO has shown that they are actually debris-covered flows of ice, or glaciers. There is no evidence for present-day flow of these glaciers, so they appear to be remnants of past climates. The University of Arizona, Tucson, operates HiRISE, which was built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., Boulder, Colo. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Project for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. | |
This image from NASA's Mars Odyssey shows part of the floor of Russell Crater. | Context imageThis VIS image shows part of the floor of Russell Crater. Dunes of different shapes and sizes are located on the floor of this 135 km (22 miles) diameter crater. Russell Crater is located in Noachis Terra.Orbit Number: 92871 Latitude: -54.1627 Longitude: 12.4699 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2022-11-21 06:37Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
The lava flows in this image captured by NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft are located on the northeastern margin of Daedalia Planum. Wind deposits are visible in the lee of the flow fronts. | Context imageThe lava flows in today's VIS image are located on the northeastern margin of Daedalia Planum. Wind deposits are visible in the lee of the flow fronts.Orbit Number: 48491 Latitude: -2.75786 Longitude: 223.234 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2012-11-18 19:48Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
This image from NASA's Mars Odyssey shows a group of landslide deposits located in an unnamed crater in Noachis Terra. | Context image for PIA10337LandslidesThis group of landslide deposits is located in an unnamed crater in Noachis Terra.Image information: VIS instrument. Latitude -30.5N, Longitude 337.0E. 17 meter/pixel resolution.Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.Note: this THEMIS visual image has not been radiometrically nor geometrically calibrated for this preliminary release. An empirical correction has been performed to remove instrumental effects. A linear shift has been applied in the cross-track and down-track direction to approximate spacecraft and planetary motion. Fully calibrated and geometrically projected images will be released through the Planetary Data System in accordance with Project policies at a later time.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
The THEMIS camera contains 5 filters. The data from different filters can be combined in multiple ways to create a false color image. This image from NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows part of the interior of Coprates Chasma. | Context image The THEMIS VIS camera contains 5 filters. The data from different filters can be combined in multiple ways to create a false color image. These false color images may reveal subtle variations of the surface not easily identified in a single band image. Today's false color image shows part of the interior of Coprates Chasma.Orbit Number: 50911 Latitude: -12.184 Longitude: 291.09 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2013-06-05 23:33Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows dark, windblown sand dunes in the north polar region of Mars in December 2004. | This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows dark, windblown sand dunes in the north polar region of Mars. The scene, obtained in December 2004, is located near 85.2°N, 169.1°W. The image covers an area about 3 km (1.9 mi) wide and is illuminated by sunlight from the upper right. | |
nan | Figure 1This image from the panoramic camera on NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit shows a hillside portion of the "Columbia Hills." Scientists are interested in investigating the large boulders and rock outcrop seen on the hillside, as they may reveal clues about how these hills formed. This image was taken approximately 0.4 kilometers (0.25 miles) away from the base of the hills on sol 146 (May 31, 2004).For related images, see PIA06010 and PIA06012. | |
This image from NASA's Mars Odyssey shows part of the complex region of channels and craters between Lunae Planum and Xanthe Terra. | Context imageToday's VIS image shows part of the complex region of channels and craters between Lunae Planum and Xanthe Terra. This image is located just east of Maja Valles, the major outflow channel in this region. The large crater at the top of the image, with channels entering and exiting, is named Chia Crater.Orbit Number: 94377 Latitude: 0.364977 Longitude: 299.866 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2023-03-25 07:20Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
Color has been added to highlight minerals in this image of Jezero Crater on Mars, the landing site for NASA's Mars 2020 mission. The green color represents minerals called carbonates, which are especially good at preserving fossilized life on Earth. | Color has been added to highlight minerals in this image of Jezero Crater on Mars, the landing site for NASA's Mars 2020 mission. The green color represents minerals called carbonates, which are especially good at preserving fossilized life on Earth. Red represents olivine sand eroding out of carbonate-containing rocks.The image was created using data taken by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and its Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) and Context Camera (CTX).The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, led the work to build the CRISM instrument and operates CRISM in coordination with an international team of researchers from universities, government and the private sector. Malin Space Science Systems in San Diego built and operates CTX.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Project for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, built the orbiter and collaborates with JPL to operate it. | |
The north polar residual ice cap, which is cut by spiral-patterned troughs, is located at the top in this view from NASA's Viking Orbiter 1. | Center of the orthographic projection is at latitude 30 degrees N., longitude 30 degrees. The north polar residual ice cap, which is cut by spiral-patterned troughs, is located at the top. The central part is characterized by a dark depression, Chryse basin, where several large outflow channels terminate. The lower-left corner is marked by a vast system of canyons, Valles Marineris, which extends eastward for several thousand kilometers. | |
Clay Minerals in Mawrth Vallis Region of Mars | This map showing the location of some clay minerals in of a portion of the Mawrth Vallis region of Mars covers an area about 10 kilometers (6.2 mile) wide. The map is draped over a topographical model that exaggerates the vertical dimension tenfold.The mineral mapping information comes from an image taken on Sept. 21, 2007, by the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM). Iron-magnesium phyllosilicate is shown in red. Aluminum phyllosyllicate is shown in blue. Hydrated silica and a ferrous iron phase are shown in yellow/green.The topographical information comes from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter instrument on NASA's Mars Global Surveyor orbiter. Mawrth Vallis is an outflow channel centered near 24.7 degrees north latitude, 339.5 degrees east longitude, in northern highlands of Mars.CRISM is one of six science instruments on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Led by The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md., the CRISM team includes expertise from universities, government agencies and small businesses in the United States and abroad. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, built the orbiter. | |
The THEMIS camera contains 5 filters. The data from different filters can be combined in multiple ways to create a false color image. This image from NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows some of the plains of Terra Sirenum. | Context imageThe THEMIS camera contains 5 filters. The data from different filters can be combined in multiple ways to create a false color image. These false color images may reveal subtle variations of the surface not easily identified in a single band image. Today's false color image shows some of the plains of Terra Sirenum.Orbit Number: 42749 Latitude: -32.0252 Longitude: 202.837 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2011-08-04 05:13Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Curiosity Mars rover used one of its Hazcams to catch this apparent dusty wind gust blowing overhead on March 18, 2022. | Click here for animationNASA's Curiosity Mars rover used one of its Hazard-Avoidance Cameras (Hazcams) to catch this dusty wind gust blowing overhead on March 18, 2022, the 3,418th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. Scientists believe it's a wind gust rather than a dust devil since it doesn't appear to have the trademark vorticity, or twisting, of a dust devil.The series of images captured by the Hazcam is viewable in the top image; the bottom image shows the frames after they've been processed by change-detection software, which helps the viewer see how the wind gust moves over time.Curiosity was built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages JPL for NASA. JPL manages Curiosity's mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington.For more about Curiosity, visit http://mars.nasa.gov/msl or https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/index.html. | |
This image from the Mars Hand Lens Imager on NASA's Mars rover Curiosity shows the patch of rock cleaned by the first use of the rover's Dust Removal Tool (DRT). The tool is a motorized, wire-bristle brush on the turret at the end of the rover's arm. | This image from the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) on NASA's Mars rover Curiosity shows the patch of rock cleaned by the first use of the rover's Dust Removal Tool (DRT). The tool is a motorized, wire-bristle brush on the turret at the end of the rover's arm. Its first use was on the 150th Martian day, or sol, of the mission (Jan. 6, 2013). MAHLI took this image from a distance of about 10 inches (25 centimeters) after the brushing was completed on this rock target called "Ekwir_1." The patch of the rock from which dust has been brushed away is about 1.85 inches by 2.44 inches (47 millimeters by 62 millimeters). The scale bar at bottom right is 1 centimeter (0.39 inch).A view of Curiosity's turret at PIA15699 shows the DRT on the right side of the image and the MAHLI at the center. Honeybee Robotics, New York, N.Y., built the DRT for Curiosity. Malin Space Science Systems, San Diego, built the MAHLI.JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, manages the Mars Science Laboratory Project for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. JPL designed and built the project's Curiosity rover.For more about NASA's Curiosity mission, visit: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/msl, http://www.nasa.gov/mars, and http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl. | |
This image, acquired on November 30, 2019 by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, shows streamers of seasonal carbon dioxide ice (dry ice) only remaining in places in the terrain that are still partially in the shade. | Map Projected Browse ImageClick on image for larger versionWhen we acquired this image, it was northern summer and southern winter on Mars, but signs of spring are already starting to appear at latitudes not far from the equator. This image of Penticton Crater, taken at latitude 38 degrees south, shows streamers of seasonal carbon dioxide ice (dry ice) only remaining in places in the terrain that are still partially in the shade. The turquoise-colored frost (enhanced color) is protected from the sun in shadowed dips in the ground while the sunlit surface nearby is already frost-free.The map is projected here at a scale of 50 centimeters (19.7 inches) per pixel. (The original image scale is 51.6 centimeters [20.3 inches] per pixel [with 2 x 2 binning]; objects on the order of 155 centimeters [61.0 inches] across are resolved.) North is up.The University of Arizona, in Tucson, operates HiRISE, which was built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., in Boulder, Colorado. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Project for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. | |
The windstreak in this image from NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft is located on the northwestern plains of Daedalia Planum. | Context imageThe windstreak in today's image is located on the northwestern plains of Daedalia Planum.Orbit Number: 45807 Latitude: -11.4558 Longitude: 218.688 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2012-04-11 22:01Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
This image captured by NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows part of the floor of an unnamed crater on the northern edge of Terra Sabaea. | Context imageThis VIS image shows part of the floor of an unnamed crater on the northern edge of Terra Sabaea. Many processes have been at work to modify the initial floor to create the hills and other features.Orbit Number: 62534 Latitude: 40.1552 Longitude: 51.4687 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2016-01-18 20:02Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows two small mesas, a hill, and other landforms in the highly-eroded landscape of eastern Arabia Terra on Mars. | 11 November 2005 This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows two small mesas, a hill, and other landforms in the highly-eroded landscape of eastern Arabia Terra.Location near: 30.0°N, 295.0°W Image width: width: ~3 km (~1.9 mi) Illumination from: lower left Season: Northern Winter | |
This image shows part of Coprates Chasma on Mars, taken by NASA's Mars 2001 Odyssey spacecraft. | Context image for PIA01312Coprates ChasmaThis image shows part of Coprates Chasma.Image information: VIS instrument. Latitude -15.3N, Longitude 301.2E. 17 meter/pixel resolution.Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.Note: this THEMIS visual image has not been radiometrically nor geometrically calibrated for this preliminary release. An empirical correction has been performed to remove instrumental effects. A linear shift has been applied in the cross-track and down-track direction to approximate spacecraft and planetary motion. Fully calibrated and geometrically projected images will be released through the Planetary Data System in accordance with Project policies at a later time.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows clouds and hazes above a sunward martian limb over the planet's northern plains. | MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-380, 3 June 2003Mars Global Surveyor orbits the red planet 12 times each day. Half of each orbit is spent on the day side of Mars, which is where most Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) images are obtained because sunlight is required to illuminate the surfaces being observed. However, on the night side of Mars, the wide angle cameras can see clouds and hazes above the sunward martian limb. The limb is the edge of the planet as it appears when viewed from an oblique perspective.This blue wide angle camera image, obtained on the night side of Mars on May 15, 2003, shows clouds picking up the first sunlight before dawn near 55° north latitude. The scene is illuminated by sunlight from the right. The sun is actually on the other side of the planet, and has not yet risen over this region. The dark area on the left side of the picture is the martian surface at night. The dark band on the right side is outer space. The bright features just right of center are the clouds hanging above the martian limb over the planet's northern plains. North is toward the top and east is to the right; the spacecraft was moving southward when the image was acquired. | |
The gold line on this image shows NASA's Opportunity's route from the landing site, in upper left, to the area it is investigating on the western rim of Endeavour Crater as of the rover's 10th anniversary on Mars, in Earth years. | NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity has been working on Mars since landing inside Eagle Crater on Jan. 25, 2004 (Universal Time; evening of Jan. 24, Pacific Standard Time). The gold line on this image shows Opportunity's route from the landing site, in upper left, to the area it is investigating on the western rim of Endeavour Crater as of the rover's 10th anniversary on Mars, in Earth years.In its first decade of driving on Mars, Opportunity covered a total of 24.07 miles (38.73 kilometers). In early 2014, Opportunity is ascending "Murray Ridge" above "Solander Point" on the rim of Endeavour Crater. A destination ahead, if the rover keeps working, is the "Cape Tribulation" section farther south on Endeavour's rim.The features are all within the Meridiani Planum region of equatorial Mars, which was chosen as Opportunity's landing area because of earlier detection of the mineral hematite from orbit.The base image for the map is a mosaic of images taken by the Context Camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The 5-kilometer scale bar is 3.1 miles long, and the diameter of Endeavour Crater is about 14 miles (22 kilometers). North is up.Opportunity completed its three-month prime mission in April 2004 and has continued operations in bonus extended missions. It has found several types of evidence of ancient environments with abundant liquid water. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter reached Mars in 2006, completed its prime mission in 2010, and is also working in an extended mission.This traverse map was made at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, Albuquerque. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the Mars Exploration Rover Project and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Washington. Malin Space Science Systems, San Diego, built and operates the orbiter's Context Camera. | |
NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander shows the excavation of a trench, dubbed 'Snow White,' in a patch of Martian soil located near the center of a polygonal surface feature, nicknamed 'Cheshire Cat.' | NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander began excavating a new trench, dubbed "Snow White," in a patch of Martian soil located near the center of a polygonal surface feature, nicknamed "Cheshire Cat." The trench is about 2 centimeters (.8 inches) deep and 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long. The "dump pile" is located at the top of the trench, the side farthest away from the lander, and has been dubbed "Croquet Ground." The digging site has been named "Wonderland."At this early stage of digging, the Phoenix team did not expect to find any of the white material seen in the first trench, now called "Dodo-Goldilocks." That trench showed white material at a depth of about 5 centimeters (2 inches). More digging of Snow White is planned for coming sols, or Martian days.The dark portion of this image is the shadow of the lander's solar panel; the bright areas within this region are not in shadow.Snow White was dug on Sol 22 (June 17, 2008) with Phoenix's Robotic Arm. This picture was acquired on the same day by the lander's Surface Stereo Imager. This image has been enhanced to brighten shaded areas.The Phoenix Mission is led by the University of Arizona, Tucson, on behalf of NASA. Project management of the mission is by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Spacecraft development is by Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver.Photojournal Note: As planned, the Phoenix lander, which landed May 25, 2008 23:53 UTC, ended communications in November 2008, about six months after landing, when its solar panels ceased operating in the dark Martian winter. | |
The THEMIS camera contains 5 filters. The data from different filters can be combined in multiple ways to create a false color image. This image from NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows part of a crater in Noachis Terra. | Context image The THEMIS VIS camera contains 5 filters. The data from different filters can be combined in multiple ways to create a false color image. These false color images may reveal subtle variations of the surface not easily identified in a single band image. Today's false color image shows part of a crater in Noachis Terra.Orbit Number: 43794 Latitude: -20.676 Longitude: 306.232 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2011-10-29 05:35Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows a bright wind streak in southern Acidalia Planitia on Mars. The streak is mostly likely a very thin coating of dust. | MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-461, 23 August 2003This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a crater with a bright wind streak in southern Acidalia Planitia. The streak is mostly likely a very thin coating of dust. The orientation of the streak indicates that the winds responsible for its formation and maintenance came from the northeast (upper right) and blew toward the lower left (southwest). The crater is located near 24.8°N, 39.1°W. The image covers an area 3 km (1.9 mi) wide. Sunlight illuminates the scene from the lower left. | |
Winds have scoured this region south of Olympus Mons as seen in this image from NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft. | Context imageWinds have scoured this region south of Olympus Mons.Orbit Number: 52848 Latitude: 8.2951 Longitude: 226.333 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2013-11-12 10:41Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity shows the high cliff face of the Cape Verde promontory was taken by the rover from inside Victoria Crater, during the rover's descent into Duck Bay in November, 2007. | This Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity Pancam "super resolution" mosaic of the approximately 6 m (20 foot) high cliff face of the Cape Verde promontory was taken by the rover from inside Victoria Crater, during the rover's descent into Duck Bay. Super-resolution is an imaging technique which utilizes information from multiple pictures of the same target in order to generate an image with a higher resolution than any of the individual images. Cape Verde is a geologically rich outcrop and is teaching scientists about how rocks at Victoria crater were modified since they were deposited long ago. This image complements super resolution mosaics obtained at Cape St. Mary and Cape St. Vincent and is consistent with the hypothesis that Victoria crater is located in the middle of what used to be an ancient sand dune field. Many rover team scientists are hoping to be able to eventually drive the rover closer to these layered rocks in the hopes of measuring their chemistry and mineralogy.This is a Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity Panoramic Camera image mosaic acquired on sols 1342 and 1356 (November 2 and 17, 2007), and was constructed from a mathematical combination of 64 different blue filter (480 nm) images. | |
This image from NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows a pedestal crater in the Promethei Terra region. The ejecta from an impact
crater is usually rocky. | 2 April 2006This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a pedestal crater in the Promethei Terra region. The ejecta from an impact crater is usually rocky. The rocks in the ejecta help shield the terrain beneath the ejecta from being eroded away by wind. Thus, over time, some craters appear to be raised on pedestals defined by their ejecta blankets, because wind has stripped away tons and tons of surrounding material.Location near: 65.4°S, 264.7°W Image width: ~3 km (~1.9 mi) Illumination from: upper left Season: Southern Autumn | |
Northern Plains | Image PSP_001380_2520 was taken by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft on November 12, 2006. The complete image is centered at 71.7 degrees latitude, 189.9 degrees East longitude. The range to the target site was 316.0 km (197.5 miles). At this distance the image scale is 31.6 cm/pixel (with 1 x 1 binning) so objects ~95 cm across are resolved. The image shown here has been map-projected to 25 cm/pixel. The image was taken at a local Mars time of 3:00 PM and the scene is illuminated from the west with a solar incidence angle of 60 degrees, thus the sun was about 30 degrees above the horizon. At a solar longitude of 134.1 degrees, the season on Mars is Northern Summer.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, is the prime contractor for the project and built the spacecraft. The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment is operated by the University of Arizona, Tucson, and the instrument was built by Ball Aerospace and Technology Corp., Boulder, Colo. | |
The engineering model of NASA's InSight lander took an image of the actor Brad Pitt at JPL on Sept. 6, 2019, using the instrument deployment camera on the replica's robotic arm. | The engineering model of NASA's InSight lander — a replica used for test purposes — took an image of the actor Brad Pitt at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, on Sept. 6, 2019. Taken by the instrument deployment camera on the replica's robotic arm in the Mars-like environment of JPL's In-Situ Instrument Laboratory, the picture has been white-balanced to remove the orange-red tint of the Mars lights in the room. Pitt visited JPL to learn about real space technology after filming his space-themed movie "Ad Astra." | |
The Russell Crater dune field is covered seasonally by carbon dioxide frost; this image from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows the dune field after the frost has sublimated. There are just a few patches left of the bright seasonal frost. | The Russell Crater dune field is covered seasonally by carbon dioxide frost, and this image shows the dune field after the frost has sublimated (evaporated directly from solid to gas). There are just a few patches left of the bright seasonal frost.Numerous dark dust devil tracks can be seen meandering across the dunes. The face of the largest dune is lined with gullies. The source of the gullies is unclear but could involve erosion by the seasonal carbon dioxide ice.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, built the spacecraft. The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment is operated by the University of Arizona, Tucson, and the instrument was built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., Boulder, Colo.Originally released August 1, 2007 | |
The feature informally named 'Shoemaker Ridge' in the 'Cape York' segment of the western rim of Endeavour Crater includes outcrops that are likely impact breccias as seen by NASA's rover Opportunity. | Annotated versionClick on the image for larger viewThe feature informally named "Shoemaker Ridge" in the "Cape York" segment of the western rim of Endeavour Crater includes outcrops that are likely impact breccias. Impact breccias are a type of jumbled rock previously examined by NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity at the "Chester Lake" target on Cape York. The view looks northward toward the southern edge of Shoemaker Ridge.This image combines exposures taken by Opportunity's Panoramic Camera (Pancam) through three different color filters during the 2,715th Martian day, or sol, of the rover's work on Mars (Sept. 13, 2011). It is presented in false color to emphasize differences among materials in the rock and soil. The filters used are centered on wavelengths of 753 nanometers (near infrared), 535 nanometers (green) and 412 nanometers (violet).Most of Cape York is covered in densely packed basaltic sands with small embedded rock clasts. Outcrops are exposed particularly on the inboard, or southeast, side of the cape. The name Shoemaker Ridge pays tribute to one of the founding fathers of planetary geology, Eugene Shoemaker. | |
This oblique view from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows a small part of the near-rim ejecta from Tooting Crater which must be either melted rock from the impact event, or a wet debris flow from melting of ice. | Map Projected Browse ImageClick on the image for larger versionThis oblique view from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows a small part of the near-rim ejecta from Tooting Crater. The flow extending from upper left to lower right looks much like a typical lava flow, but doesn't emanate from a volcanic vent.Instead, this must be either melted rock from the impact event, or a wet debris flow from melting of ice. The surface is dusty so color variations are minor.This is a stereo pair with ESP_016135_2030.The map is projected here at a scale of 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) per pixel. [The original image scale is 32.6 centimeters (12.8 inches) per pixel (with 1 x 1 binning); objects on the order of 98 centimeters (38.6 inches) across are resolved.] North is up.The University of Arizona, Tucson, operates HiRISE, which was built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., Boulder, Colo. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Project for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. | |
A Fruitful Journey | This overview map made from images taken by the camera on the Mars Global Surveyor orbiter illustrates the path that the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity has taken from its first sol on the red planet through its 91st sol. After thoroughly examining its "Eagle Crater" landing-site, the rover moved onto the plains of Meridiani Planum, stopping to examine a curious trough and a target within it called "Anatolia." Following that, Opportunity approached and remotely studied the rocky dish called "Fram Crater." As of its 91st sol (April 26, 2004), the rover has traveled about 811 meters (.5 miles) and currently sits about 160 meters (525 feet) from the rim of its next target, "Endurance Crater." | |
This image captured by NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows a region of small isolated dunes on the floor of an unnamed crater in Terra Cimmeria. | Context imageThis VIS image shows a region of small isolated dunes on the floor of an unnamed crater in Terra Cimmeria.Orbit Number: 59106 Latitude: -30.4214 Longitude: 145.4 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2015-04-11 11:57Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows alternating ridges and troughs exposed by erosion of material interpreted to be sedimentary rock in the Aeolis region of Mars. | 17 March 2006This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows alternating ridges and troughs exposed by erosion of material interpreted to be sedimentary rock in the Aeolis region of Mars.Location near: 1.9°N, 218.6°W Image width: ~3 km (~1.9 mi) Illumination from: lower left Season: Northern Winter | |
This false-color image from NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows a portion of the Iani Chaos region that was collected during the Mars' southern fall season. | The THEMIS VIS camera is capable of capturing color images of the Martian surface using five different color filters. In this mode of operation, the spatial resolution and coverage of the image must be reduced to accommodate the additional data volume produced from using multiple filters. To make a color image, three of the five filter images (each in grayscale) are selected. Each is contrast enhanced and then converted to a red, green, or blue intensity image. These three images are then combined to produce a full color, single image. Because the THEMIS color filters don't span the full range of colors seen by the human eye, a color THEMIS image does not represent true color. Also, because each single-filter image is contrast enhanced before inclusion in the three-color image, the apparent color variation of the scene is exaggerated. Nevertheless, the color variation that does appear is representative of some change in color, however subtle, in the actual scene. Note that the long edges of THEMIS color images typically contain color artifacts that do not represent surface variation.This false color image is located north of yesterday's image, still within the Iani Chaos. Note the different surface textures within the two images. This image was collected during the Southern Fall season.Image information: VIS instrument. Latitude -0.8 Longitude 341.5 East (18.5 West). 36 meter/pixel resolution.Note: this THEMIS visual image has not been radiometrically nor geometrically calibrated for this preliminary release. An empirical correction has been performed to remove instrumental effects. A linear shift has been applied in the cross-track and down-track direction to approximate spacecraft and planetary motion. Fully calibrated and geometrically projected images will be released through the Planetary Data System in accordance with Project policies at a later time.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
This image from NASA's Mars Odyssey shows part of Ganges Chasma. A large landslide deposit is visible in the image. | Context imageToday's VIS image shows part of Ganges Chasma. A large landslide deposit is visible in the center of the image. The radial grooves on the top of a landslide are a common feature formed by the downslope movement of the landslide materials. Ganges Chasma is part of the Valles Marineris chasma system, but is north of the main section of canyons. Ganges Chasma is 584km (363 miles) long.Orbit Number: 89435 Latitude: -8.15265 Longitude: 315.105 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2022-02-11 09:09Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
This enhanced-color image NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit shows the rock dubbed 'Mazatzal' after a portion of its surface was brushed clean by the rover's rock abrasion tool. The reddish material on the left is the original dust coating. | This enhanced-color image taken by the microscopic imager on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit on sol 79 shows the rock dubbed "Mazatzal" after a portion of its surface was brushed clean by the rover's rock abrasion tool. The reddish material on the left side of the image is the original dust coating. The darker, grayer surface on the right side was exposed after brushing. The crack in the rock may have once contained fluids from which minerals precipitated along its walls. The color in this image was created by combining pictures taken with the microscopic imager's orange-tinted dust cover in both its open and closed positions. | |
Field of Fans | Subimage #1Figure 1Subimage #2Figure 2AnaglyphFigure 3 | |
This image from NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows the Kasei Vallis complex on Mars which contains two main channels that run east-west across Tempe Terra and empty into Chryse Planitia. | Kasei Vallis is our topic for the weeks of April 18 and 25. Originating on the margin of Lunae Planum, the Kasei Vallis complex contains two main channels that run east-west across Tempe Terra and empty into Chryse Planitia. During the week of April 18th we will concentrate on the northern branch of Kasei Vallis. The week of April 25 will be devoted to the southern branch.The formation of Kasei Vallis is still being studied and several theories exist. It is thought that volcanic subsurfaceing heating in the Tharsis/Lunae Planum region resulted in a release of water, which carved the channels and produced the landforms seen within the channels. One theory is that this was a one-time catastropic event, another theory speculates that several flooding events occurred over a long time period. Others have proposed that some of the landforms (especially scour marks and teardrop shaped "islands") are the result of glacial flow rather than liquid flow. Teardrop shaped islands are common in terrestrial rivers, where the water is eroding material in the channel. A glacial feature called a drumlin has the exact same shape, but is formed by deposition beneath continental glaciers.This two-image mosaic shows a region of the main channel where flows are rejoining at the tail of a large teardrop shaped island (center of image). Image information: VIS instrument. Latitude 24.4 Longitude 299 East (61 West). 19 meter/pixel resolution.Note: this THEMIS visual image has not been radiometrically nor geometrically calibrated for this preliminary release. An empirical correction has been performed to remove instrumental effects. A linear shift has been applied in the cross-track and down-track direction to approximate spacecraft and planetary motion. Fully calibrated and geometrically projected images will be released through the Planetary Data System in accordance with Project policies at a later time.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
Melas Chasma is part of the largest canyon system on Mars, Valles Marineris. This image from NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows layered materials and sand dunes. | Context image Melas Chasma is part of the largest canyon system on Mars, Valles Marineris. At only 563 km long (349 miles) it is not the longest canyon, but it is the widest. Located in the center of Valles Marineris, it has depths up to 9 km from the surrounding plains, and is the location of many large landslide deposits, as will as layered materials and sand dunes. There is evidence of both water and wind action as modes of formation for many of the interior deposits. This VIS image shows layered materials and sand dunes. The image is located on the mid elevations on the south side of the canyon. The Odyssey spacecraft has spent over 15 years in orbit around Mars, circling the planet more than 69000 times. It holds the record for longest working spacecraft at Mars. THEMIS, the IR/VIS camera system, has collected data for the entire mission and provides images covering all seasons and lighting conditions. Over the years many features of interest have received repeated imaging, building up a suite of images covering the entire feature. From the deepest chasma to the tallest volcano, individual dunes inside craters and dune fields that encircle the north pole, channels carved by water and lava, and a variety of other feature, THEMIS has imaged them all. For the next several months the image of the day will focus on the Tharsis volcanoes, the various chasmata of Valles Marineris, and the major dunes fields. We hope you enjoy these images!Orbit Number: 10838 Latitude: -12.7865 Longitude: 288.837 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2004-05-24 17:32Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows a field of sand dunes in a crater in Noachis Terra on Mars. Patches of autumn frost, possibly water ice, are evident. | 22 October 2004This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a field of sand dunes in a crater in Noachis Terra near 49.6°S, 352.9°W. Patches of autumn frost, possibly water ice, are seen on the south/southeastern (bottom/lower right) slopes of the dunes. This image mosaics with the east side of the dune image released as MOC Picture of the Day on 22 September 2004. The image covers an area about 3 km (1.9 mi) wide. Sunlight illuminates the scene from the upper left. | |
This image from NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows relatively dark coarse grained material forming individual dunes coalescing into a relatively uniform sand sheet. | This image shows relatively dark coarse grained material forming individual dunes coalescing into a relatively uniform sand sheet. The origin of the dark sand that formed these dunes have been suggested to be the northern polar layered deposits.Note: this THEMIS visual image has not been radiometrically nor geometrically calibrated for this preliminary release. An empirical correction has been performed to remove instrumental effects. A linear shift has been applied in the cross-track and down-track direction to approximate spacecraft and planetary motion. Fully calibrated and geometrically projected images will be released through the Planetary Data System in accordance with Project policies at a later time.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.Image information: VIS instrument. Latitude 77.7, Longitude 309.4 East (50.6 West). 19 meter/pixel resolution. | |
This image from NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft of a ridge in the Tharsis region (called Uranius Dorsum) reminds one of a skeletal spine. | Context imageHappy Halloween! Today's VIS image of a ridge in the Tharsis region (called Uranius Dorsum) reminds one of a skeletal spine. BOO from Mars!Orbit Number: 47664 Latitude: 22.1827 Longitude: 282.689 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2012-09-11 20:08Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows an eroded landscape in the south polar region of Mars. Layered material has been exposed to create a complex pattern of steps and low, isolated mesas. | 22 January 2006This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows an eroded landscape in the south polar region of Mars. Layered material has been exposed to create a complex pattern of steps and low, isolated mesas. The material has also been cracked, and semi-parallel ridges on some of the 'stairsteps' may be old, windblown ripples.Location near: 86.0°S, 182.1°W Image width: ~3 km (~1.9 mi) Illumination from: upper left Season: Southern Summer | |
NASA's Mars Pathfinder Lander camera image of Sojourner Rover atop the 'Mermaid Dune' on Sol 30, 1997. Note the dark material excavated by the rover wheels. | Mars Pathfinder Lander camera image of Sojourner Rover atop the "Mermaid Dune" on Sol 30. Note the dark material excavated by the rover wheels. These, and other excavations brought materials to the surface for examination and allowed estimates of mechanical properties of the deposits."Mermaid Dune" is also shown in PIA01132. This version is a mosaic of that release with data of the surrounding terrain from the Gallery panorama.Mars Pathfinder is the second in NASA's Discovery program of low-cost spacecraft with highly focused science goals. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, developed and manages the Mars Pathfinder mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. JPL is an operating division of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The IMP was developed by the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory under contract to JPL. Peter Smith is the Principal investigator.
Photojournal note: Sojourner spent 83 days of a planned seven-day mission exploring the Martian terrain, acquiring images, and taking chemical, atmospheric and other measurements. The final data transmission received from Pathfinder was at 10:23 UTC on September 27, 1997. Although mission managers tried to restore full communications during the following five months, the successful mission was terminated on March 10, 1998. | |
NASA's Mars Odyssey produced this gamma ray spectrometer map of the mid-latitude region of Mars is based on gamma-rays from the element silicon, one of the most abundant elements on the surface of both Mars and Earth. | This gamma ray spectrometer map of the mid-latitude region of Mars is based on gamma-rays from the element silicon. Silicon is one of the most abundant elements on the surface of both Mars and Earth (second only to oxygen). The most extensive region of highest silicon content, shown in red, is located in the high latitudes north of Tharsis (centered near 45 degrees latitude, -120 degrees longitude). The area of lowest silicon content, shown in blue, lies just to the east of the Hellas Basin (-45 degrees latitude, 90 degrees longitude). Contours of constant surface elevation are also shown. The long continuous contour line running from east to west marks the approximate separation of the younger lowlands in the north from the older highlands in the south.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. The gamma ray spectrometer was provided by the University of Arizona, Tucson. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, Colo., is the prime contractor for the project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
This image from NASA's Mars Odyssey shows numerous small channels found in this region of Tempe Terra. | Context image for PIA10846ChannelsNumerous small channels are found in this region of Tempe Terra.Image information: VIS instrument. Latitude 44.9N, Longitude 303.5E. 19 meter/pixel resolution.Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.Note: this THEMIS visual image has not been radiometrically nor geometrically calibrated for this preliminary release. An empirical correction has been performed to remove instrumental effects. A linear shift has been applied in the cross-track and down-track direction to approximate spacecraft and planetary motion. Fully calibrated and geometrically projected images will be released through the Planetary Data System in accordance with Project policies at a later time.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
Daedalia Planum was created by extensive lava flows from Arsia Mons. This image from NASA's Mars Odyssey shows a small portion of those flows. | Context imageDaedalia Planum was created by extensive lava flows from Arsia Mons. Today's VIS image shows a small portion of those flows.Orbit Number: 38717 Latitude: -19.1984 Longitude: 241.74 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2010-09-06 05:32Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. | |
NASA's Ingenuity helicopter can be seen here with all four of its legs deployed before dropping from the belly of the Perseverance rover on March 30, 2021, the 39th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. | NASA's Ingenuity helicopter can be seen here with all four of its legs deployed before dropping from the belly of the Perseverance rover on March 30, 2021, the 39th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. This image was taken by the WATSON (Wide Angle Topographic Sensor for Operations and eNgineering) camera on the SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals) instrument, located at the end of the rover's long robotic arm.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory built and manages operations of Perseverance and Ingenuity for the agency. Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages JPL for NASA. WATSON was built by Malin Space Science Systems (MSSS) in San Diego and is operated jointly by MSSS and JPL.The Mars helicopter technology demonstration activity is supported by NASA's Science Mission Directorate, the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, and the NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate.A key objective for Perseverance's mission on Mars is astrobiology, including the search for signs of ancient microbial life. The rover will characterize the planet's geology and past climate, pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet, and be the first mission to collect and cache Martian rock and regolith (broken rock and dust).Subsequent NASA missions, in cooperation with ESA (European Space Agency), would send spacecraft to Mars to collect these sealed samples from the surface and return them to Earth for in-depth analysis.The Mars 2020 Perseverance mission is part of NASA's Moon to Mars exploration approach, which includes Artemis missions to the Moon that will help prepare for human exploration of the Red Planet.For more about Perseverance: mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/.For more about Ingenuity: go.nasa.gov/ingenuity. | |
This polar-projection mosaic was created from images that NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit acquired May 6, 2004. Continuing its trek toward the 'Columbia Hills,' Spirit broke its record for the longest distance traveled in one Martian day. | This polar-projection mosaic was created from navigation camera images that NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit acquired on sol 121 (May 6, 2004). Continuing its trek toward the "Columbia Hills," Spirit drove 96.8 meters (318 feet) -- half of which was performed in auto-navigation mode -- and broke its record for the longest distance traveled in one sol. That drive brought the mission total to 1,669 meters (1.04 miles), flipping the rover's odometer over the one-mile mark. | |
This animation depicts a flyover of a meteoroid impact crater on Mars that's surrounded by boulder-size chunks of ice. The animation was created using data from the HiRISE camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. | Click here for animationThis animation depicts a flyover of a meteoroid impact crater on Mars that's surrounded by boulder-size chunks of ice. The animation was created using data from the High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The impact occurred on Dec. 24, 2021.The University of Arizona, in Tucson, operates HiRISE, which was built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., in Boulder, Colorado. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Project for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. | |
Comet Siding Spring will have a close approach to Mars on Oct. 19, 2014. This artist's concept shows people in the Southern Hemisphere where to look for Mars in the night sky. Mars and the comet may be visible with binoculars. | Comet Siding Spring will have a close approach to Mars on Oct. 19, 2014. This artist's concept shows people in the Southern Hemisphere where to look for Mars in the night sky. Mars and the comet may be visible with binoculars.JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, manages the NASA's Mars Exploration Program for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. For more information about the flyby of Mars by comet Siding Spring, visit http://mars.nasa.gov/comets/sidingspring/.For more about the Mars Exploration Program, visit http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov. | |
A camera calibration target sits on the deck of the NASA's InSight lander, adorned with the flags of different nations participating in the mission. | A camera calibration target sits on the deck of the NASA's InSight lander, adorned with the flags of the countries participating in the mission.The target, which will be viewed by InSight's cameras, provides a variety of colors and shapes to help calibrate the lander's cameras. It also shows off international flags representing the agencies, institutions and participating scientists of the mission as of late 2014 (since that time, Italy has contributed an experiment). In the second row are the United States flag and the logos of NASA, the French space agency CNES, which provided InSight's seismometer; and the German Aerospace Center DLR, which provided InSight's heat flow probe.Below the target in the photo is an Italian experiment called the Laser Retroreflector for InSight (LaRRI). LaRRI is the small, copper-colored dome covered with circles just below the calibration target; it won't actually play a role in InSight's mission. The national space agency of Italy (ASI, for Agenzia Spaziale Italiana) provided LaRRI to be used by a possible future Mars orbiter mission with a laser altimeter making extremely precise measurements of the lander's location for fundamental physics studies and precision cartography.A microchip bearing the names of nearly a million members of the public is visible in this image to the right of the calibration target. A second microchip with more than a million additional names was added after this photo was taken.JPL, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages the InSight Project for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. Lockheed Martin Space, Denver, built the spacecraft. InSight is part of NASA s Discovery Program, which is managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.For more information about the mission, go to https://mars.nasa.gov/insight. | |
This artist's concept shows a close-up of NASA's Mars 2020 rover studying an outcrop. Mars 2020 will use powerful instruments to investigate rocks on Mars down to the microscopic scale of variations in texture and composition. | This artist's concept shows a close-up of NASA's Mars 2020 rover studying an outcrop. The mission will not only seek out and study an area likely to have been habitable in the distant past, but it will take the next, bold step in robotic exploration of the Red Planet by seeking signs of past microbial life itself. Mars 2020 will use powerful instruments to investigate rocks on Mars down to the microscopic scale of variations in texture and composition. It will also acquire and store samples of the most promising rocks and soils that it encounters, and set them aside on the surface of Mars. A future mission could potentially return these samples to Earth. Mars 2020 is targeted for launch in July/August 2020 aboard an Atlas V-541 rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory builds and manages the Mars 2020 rover for the NASA Science Mission Directorate at the agency's headquarters in Washington.For more information about the mission, go to https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/. Photojournal Note: Also available is the full resolution TIFF file PIA22108_full.tif. This file may be too large to view from a browser; it can be downloaded onto your desktop by right-clicking on the previous link and viewed with image viewing software. | |
This image from NASA's Mars Odyssey shows sand dunes on the floor of Sumgin Crater. The crater is located in Noachis Terra north of Argyre Planitia. | Context imageThis false color image shows sand dunes on the floor of Sumgin Crater. The crater is located in Noachis Terra north of Argyre Planitia and is 85 km (53 miles) in diameter. Dark blue in this color combination typically means basaltic sands.The THEMIS VIS camera contains 5 filters. The data from different filters can be combined in multiple ways to create a false color image. These false color images may reveal subtle variations of the surface not easily identified in a single band image.Orbit Number: 66517 Latitude: -36.4993 Longitude: 311.197 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2016-12-11 21:42Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. |
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