27 March 2011 - Valles Marineris: The Grand Canyon of Mars
Mars' main valley, the largest in the solar system, extends for 3000 km and is up to 600 km wide and 8 km deep. It's hard to believe it is almost a quarter of the planet's circumference! Valles Marineris is a large tectonic crack that occurred when the Martian crust was rising in the west. Over time, it was widened by erosion. Some channels have formation characteristics indicative of water or carbon dioxide. There is another theory that it was formed by subsurface magma. Regardless, it is clear that Valles Marineris is a gold mine for potential research on martian geology.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
APOD 3.7
13 March 2011 - A Mars Panorama from the Phoenix Lander
The Phoenix lander was designed to study the history of water and habitability potential of Mars.This panoramic, 360 degree image combines 100 distinct photos.The probe used solar panels to maintain energy levels and dug trenches to analyze the soil. The lander descended near the North Pole to search for signs of life. The existence of subterranean ice and perchlorate salts has been confirmed. This is a very exciting time as we attempt to delve deeper into the history of Mars.
The Phoenix lander was designed to study the history of water and habitability potential of Mars.This panoramic, 360 degree image combines 100 distinct photos.The probe used solar panels to maintain energy levels and dug trenches to analyze the soil. The lander descended near the North Pole to search for signs of life. The existence of subterranean ice and perchlorate salts has been confirmed. This is a very exciting time as we attempt to delve deeper into the history of Mars.
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