The European Space Agency's Mars Express continues to send back some of the most stunning pictures of the Martian surface ever taken. Orbiting high above the surface, the powerful cameras captured details of the large canyons Coprates Chasma and Coprates Catena.
This fantastic picture of these troughs, ranging from a few kilometres to 22 km wide and up to 5 km deep. The troughs have been modified by erosion, as indicated by the linear features extending from the upper edge of the trough walls. In contrast to the relatively sharp appearance of the upper regions of the trough walls, the lower slopes and the floors of the troughs have a softer appearance, which is probably the result of atmospheric dust.
Linear features, prevalent throughout the image and running generally parallel to the major troughs, may be faults. The trough of Coprates Chasma appears in the north (right-hand side) of the colour image here, and ranges from approximately 60 km to 100 km wide and extends 8-9 km below the surrounding plains. Coprates Catena lies parallel to Coprates Chasma and can be seen in the south (left) of the image as three troughs.
The HRSC obtained these images during orbit 449 with a ground resolution of approximately 48 metres per pixel.
The scenes show the region containing the sections of Coprates Chasma and Coprates Catena, over an area centred at about 13.5º South and 300º East, roughly in the centre of the Valles Marineris canyon system.
Perspective view of Coprates Chasma and Catena - looking north-east
Scientists are unsure of the mechanism responsible for the creation of the Valles Marineris canyon system. Some suggest that the formation of the Tharsis uplift, located west of the canyon system, caused tension and fracturing of the Martian crust. Other researchers believe that water may have removed rock material from the subsurface, which caused the surface to collapse. A related theory suggests that large quantities of subsurface ice melted, causing surface collapse. Possibly all of these processes together were active in forming the structure.
(where the Red Planet is calling to us)
Article comments
1 - Tan The Man
Simply stunning.
2 - Aaman
Very nice, Bennett.
I was wondering, is there a place we can check to see if a celestial event will be visible near us? I am thinking of the brightness of Antares, that is going to be very clear tonight, at least in Australia and India.
3 - Bennett
I agree Tan. These pictures make the ones we've seen (from a lander or rover) seem dim. Of course there is always the tradeoff of more camera or more science. Especially when you put the craft onto the surface of another planet.
The ESA's orbiting Mars Express has a high res stereoscopic camera. Beautiful photos, I'm looking forward to more like these.
4 - Aaman
I'm really lucky - one of the members of the Mars Odyssey missions is going to be giving a talk at our company - even better, they'll be webcasting it for everyone in the company - it's a Flat world after all. Will watch, and report
5 - Bennett
Be sure to give him a big round of applause for me. These guys did an incredible job with the Mars Rover Project.
Talk about getting your money's worth. Our "energizer bunny" rovers have exceeded all expectations, and they're still at it!
Aaman, I'm not normally a jealous guy, but I do envy your opportunity.
Please relay my congrats.
6 - Lisa McKay
Aaman, here's an answer to your question about finding what's visible in your location:
Sky and Telescope
Astronomy Magazine
Heavens Above shows ISS, Space Shuttle, Hubble, and Iridium satellite sightings.
My husband is an amateur astronomer/astrophotographer. The Iridium satellites are fun to look for, as is the ISS.
7 - Bennett
Thanks Lisa! Aaman - Here are your links.
And Lisa, my deepest thanks for this. I was going to do a search later this afternoon, but am overjoyed at your willingness to provide these.
My ever expanding list of great bookmarks just got better.
:-]
8 - Aaman
very useful, Lisa, especially Sky and Telescope - thank you
9 - alpha
Great images and post. Thanks.
10 - Lisa McKay
You're quite welcome, guys - actually, I sent my husband an email and he sent these back right off the top of his head - there are more out there, but these are some of the most popular.
11 - Eric Berlin
Excellent stuff, Bennett.
What's your best guess on when there will be a manned mission to Mars?
12 - Bennett
"a manned mission to Mars?"
Me and Victor are already packed.
But seriously, I'd like to think we can do the shake out on the moon between 2012 and 2018, and then take the next step to Mars by 2020.
I think a lot of the support is coming as a response to China's aggressive entry into the fray. The plan on sending a manned mission to the moon by 2012 I believe.
Whoever controls the moon, or at least maintains a permanent base there, has a huge military advantage. I'm not naive about our efforts being totally "scientific" in nature. But it adds up to the same thing. Get there, build a base, then move on out from there.
If t/Space finds the serious backers to make it's plans come to fruition, then we're a heck of a lot closer to a civilian presence in space, on the moon, and then on Mars.
But for now, if your kids dream of going into space, the Air Force or Navy are good places to start. That and hard science.
13 - gonzo marx
/golfclap
as always, awesome Work here Bennet..
sooOOOooOOOooOOoOOOoOOoooo...
2 Questions
1) you did leave room fer me on the ship to Mars, yes?
2) will you have my cyber-babies?
Excelsior!
14 - ABAH Mike
Simply breathtaking.The Earth is only a micro-cosym in a complex web that Configures the Universe.Unravelling the secrets of the Universe is indeed a very daunting,painstaking task. Yet man as never before is matching on doggedly to exploring new frotiers every day by seconds. Bravo !
The errosion ravaged surface of Mars and its glazed dark brown color is very Tempting and may make the Grand Cayon look like a toy when the full pictures are painted considering the dept of the Groove,width and distance covered.Please carry on the good work !
15 - Bennett
Amazing isn't it? In the next five years we here on earth will see and learn, more about Mars than ever before.
It really is something, to watch as this planetary frontier is bridged at last. We live in exciting times.
Thanks for the encouragement Mike!