UAHiRISE (NASA MRO)

This pock-marked terrain is within a large impact crater that is side-by-side with another crater. This image is located to northwest of the Hellas impact basin in the southern latitudes of Mars. Music: “Strange Ways” by Silent Partner (used by permission). NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (256 km above the surface, less than 5 km across.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_037516_1550

Claritas Fossae is a densely-dissected highland terrain on the Tharsis Rise of Mars, located immediately south of the Tharsis Montes. The fossae of this region are many superposed swarms of graben (depressions that run parallel along faults.) Music: “Invariance” by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100847 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (248 km above the surface, less than 5 km across.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_023689_1530

The objective of this observation is to examine a group of thin layers in a floor deposit of an old crater in the northern mid-latitudes. Audio: “Ether” by Silent Partner (used by permission). NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (303 km above the surface, less than 5 km across.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_054143_2230

Now that Jezero Crater has been selected as the exploration site for the Mars 2020 Mission, we’re highlighting one of the 30 images HiRISE acquired to help that decision. While the future rover may not be in this exact area, the high resolution capability of our camera makes it an indispensable tool for missions to determine areas that are the best spots to land and study. Music: “Dark Fog” by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300031 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (321 km above the surface, less than 5 km across.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_042315_1985

One of the oldest valleys on Mars, Mawrth Vallis holds special interest because of the presence of clay minerals which form only in the presence of water. Music: “I Am Running a Marathon with Thousands of Other Highly” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/honor/ Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/ NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (284 km above the surface, less than 5 km across.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_016486_2000

This image is within Capri Chasma, in the eastern part of the Vallis Marineris canyon system (Mars). Hematite has been detected along this crater wall, a reddish-black mineral consisting of ferric oxide. It is an important ore of iron. Music: “Cylinder Two” by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/cylinders/ Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/ NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (269 km above the surface, less than 5 km across.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_020575_1665

This is a patch of relatively bright ground in Noctis Labyrinthus (Mars). The transition along edges look wind-driven. Does this and other equatorial patterned ground have a wind-blown origin? Music: “It Maintains, Eyes Change” by Puddle of Infinity. (Used by permission.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (263 km above the surface, less than 5 km across.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_017267_1720

This is a crater within Schiaparelli Crater (Mars), filled in with layered rock. This outcrop is so neatly concentric that it may be hard to determine whether layers are horizontal or draped. Music: “Open Sea Morning” by Puddle of Infinity (used by permission). NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (297 km above the surface, less than 1 km across.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_016406_1790

Prior to acquiring this observation of the Meridiani region (Mars) in 2010, we didn’t have any images of this particular area. It was also selected as good place for a nadir observation, which is when the camera is pointing straight down. Music: “Court and Page” by Silent Partner (used by permission) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (270 km above the surface, less than 1 km top to bottom and north is to the right.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_016248_1820

This image shows great exposures of layered rocks in Argyre region (Mars). Is it evidence for a lake or sea? The Argyre region is in the southern highlands of Mars, and the name refers to a mythical island of silver in Greek mythology. Music: “Retro Dreamscape” by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/283/retro-dreamscape Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (256 km above the surface, less than 5 km top to bottom and north is to the right.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_014167_1300

Fine details in the bedding might indicate their origin. Ganges Mensa is in the Coprates quadrangle of Mars, to the northwest of Valles Marineris. Music: Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity (used by permission) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (265 km above the surface, less than 1 km top to bottom and north is to the right.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_012993_1725

This bright, mottled material inside a crater is probably sedimentary crater fill. NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (271 km above the surface, less than 5 km across) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_013835_1845

The chain of pits likely formed by volcanic processes, such as the collapse of a lava tube after it drained. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://uahirise.org/ESP_056026_2050

How did this feature get here if it looks so different than its surroundings? (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://uahirise.org/ESP_055022_2035

Some regions of Mars are not very colorful, but we can be surprised by local features. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona Source: https://uahirise.org/ESP_055541_1815

This observation covers a part of Juventae Chasma, Mars. The distance across is about 1 kilometer. Music: Long Note Three by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100424 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (269 km above the surface). Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_011899_1755

The South Polar residual cap is composed of carbon dioxide ice that persists through each Martian summer. Note: The vertical lines (called furrows) are caused by a saturation of the image along our camera’s CCD channels, likely exacerbated by the summer dust storm that affects lighting conditions. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://uahirise.org/ESP_056205_0935

This image captures the margin of the fluvial system in Eberswalde Crater, Mars, where it transitions onto the plains. NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (284 km above the surface and 5 km across) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_012610_1560

There is clay-rich terrain in this degraded crater, which itself seems to be part of a possible double-impact. NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (281 km above the surface. Less than 1 km top to bottom and north is to the right.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_019837_1865 ​

There are materials here south of Gorgonum Chaos that are bright in night-time infrared images and show hydration and possible clay signatures. Music: Chaos by Gunnar Olsen (used by permission) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (255 km above the surface, less than 5 km across) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_019261_1410 ​

This color-infrared image shows sand dunes in Melas Chasma, located within the Valles Marineris (Mars). (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://uahirise.org/ESP_055322_1680

Geologists study the central peaks of craters because the uplifted bedrock was once deep within the Martian crust. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://uahirise.org/ESP_055238_1615

This image reveals a unique situation where this small dune field occurs along the summit of the large 1-mile-tall mound. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://uahirise.org/ESP_054082_1765

Hebes Chasma is an isolated chasma just north of the Valles Marineris canyon system of Mars. NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (267 km above the surface, about 5 km across.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_018664_1785 ​ Music: Wind Marching for Rain by Puddle of Infinity (used by permission)

There is some exposed light-toned bedrock, along with deposits with beautiful color contrasts. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_055407_1485

This image covers the interior wall and ejecta of a 20-kilometer diameter crater near Toro Crater (Mars). NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (284 km above the surface, about 5 km across) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_019265_1975 ​

Of course, clays form in the presence of water, so the questions are: how much water might have been here and for how long? NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (266 km above the surface, less than 5 km across) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_018189_1675 ​

Evaporites are a natural salt or mineral deposit left after the evaporation of a body of water. This observation is in Uzboi Vallis, believed to have been formed by running water. NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (257 km above the surface, less than 1 km top to bottom and north is to the right.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_017832_1490

This image is within Ius Chasma, a large canyon within the Valles Marineris system, Mars. NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (264 km above the surface, less than 5 km across) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_017504_1725 ​

These types of dune fields are located among canyon wall slopes on Mars. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://uahirise.org/ESP_034856_1655

This image shows inverted channels within a fan that could be either fluvial or alluvial in origin. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://uahirise.org/ESP_055505_1520

These features are very interesting to scientists who study Mars, especially to those involved in the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter mission. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) https://uahirise.org/ESP_055307_2215

These slopes have gone through a complicated history of gully erosion of the bedrock layers. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) https://uahirise.org/ESP_054832_2185

Hebes Chasma is an isolated chasma just north of the Valles Marineris canyon system on Mars. NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (296 km above the surface, less than 5 km across) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_053054_1785 ​

This image is of eroded layered deposits on the floor of large crater, with potential clays. NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (266 km above the surface, and less than 5 km across.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_052941_1555

This image shows a portion of Ius Chasma, Mars. NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (268 km above the surface, less than 5 km across). Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_019007_1715

There are possible clays located here. Ganges Chasma (Mars) is a deep canyon at the eastern end of the vast Valles Marineris system on Mars, possibly formed through a series of catastrophic discharges of water. It is named after the river Ganges. NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (264 km above the surface, less than 1 km top to bottom and north is to the right.) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_016804_1710 ​

A hotspot for exploration on Mars centers on areas that were once next to a significant source of heat such as volcanoes. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona Source: https://uahirise.org/ESP_055282_2125

The objective of this observation is to examine thin layers in a crater in Sinus Meridiani (Mars). Pictures like this will help us determine the extent of layering in this region. NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (274 km above the surface, less than 5 km across). Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_052524_1850 ​

Shallow valleys may provide clues regarding the formation of the deposits we see in this observation. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona Source: https://uahirise.org/ESP_055110_2265

The fans built up over time during intense rain storms or from melting snow. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://uahirise.org/ESP_033471_1580

Dust avalanches create slope streaks that expose darker materials usually hidden below a layer of light-toned dust. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://uahirise.org/ESP_055285_2030

A crater impact in cracked terrain–in West Utopia Planitia–has produced a series of steps and a strong albedo (reflection of light) change within the crater. NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (304 km above the surface, less than 5 km across) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_016535_2260 ​

Many scientists using orbital data have proposed that a large lake may have once existed here. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona Source: https://uahirise.org/ESP_055392_1510

The objective of this observation is to examine a dense field of flat topped mounds next to a pedestal crater. Many of the mounds have wide pits at the top. This image may represent a contact in surfaces because the boundaries of this field of mounds are sharp (meaning not heavily eroded). NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (306 km above the surface, less than 1 km top to bottom and north is to the right) Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_052339_2275 ​

Aram Chaos lies within an ancient impact crater in the Southern Highlands of Mars. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona Source: https://uahirise.org/ESP_054753_1825

As the sun warms the terrain in the South Pole, spiders begin to emerge. Wait, what? (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona Source: https://uahirise.org/ESP_055283_0985

Which impact crater formed first, or did they form at the same time? (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona Source: https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_054940_2385

Here, we see a transition from chaotic terrain to outflow channel terrain that is much smoother. NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (269 km above the surface, less than 5 km across) https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_052091_1770

The (false color) blue appearance is due to the intense blast of the impact moving around dust on the surface. (Audio: www.tregibbs.com. Black and white images are 5 km across; enhanced color images are 1 km.) NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://uahirise.org/ESP_053006_1980