Mars Photo of the Day - Feb 22 2012

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Today's Image of Mars was taken by HiRISE and shows part of an impact crater in Terra Cimmeria that is completely cast in shadow. Terra Cimmeria is located in the southern highland region of Mars. 

Much of the crater floor is cast in deep shadow because the sun was only 11 degrees over the horizon. The HiRISE cameras aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter are sensitive enough that they can see within most shadows. The image below shows an area completely shrouded in shadow, but HiRISE can still see features indicative of ice flow, a common finding in the southern highlands.

Clicking on this image will take you to the original image from HiRISE. [See their caption]

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Mars Photo of the Day - Sept 24 2011

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Today's Mars Photo was taken by by Viking I Orbiter as Phobos' shadow passed over the surface of Mars. Viking I Lander took a simultaneous picture, which was used in conjunction with the Orbiter's image identify the position of the shadow, and thus the lander itself. The shadow of Phobos is in the center of the image and is about 60 by 120km across and in the Chryse Planitia region just a few kilometers north of the Viking I Lander. Maurnee Vallis is shown in the below and to the left of the center shadow.

This image is larger than the original so it will link to the Wikipedia Page called   Transit of Phobos from Mars

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