A Frosty Crater On Mars
Explanation:
In the
martian southern hemisphere, autumn has arrived.
As on planet Earth, the cooler temperatures bring a
seasonal frost to the landscape.
Of course on Mars, the
surface temperatures
can be really
cool, reaching below minus 100 degrees C.
This detailed Mars Global Surveyor
synthesized color image of Lowell
crater at 52 degrees south martian latitude was recorded on October 17.
Whitish frost has begun to accumulate on floor of the
201 kilometer wide crater.
The crater's weathered walls suggest Lowell is relatively old.
In striking contrast, two smaller, sharp-rimmed young
craters are
clearly superimposed
on the older features near Lowell's outer rim.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
