At the Summit of Olympus Mons
Explanation:
From martian orbit,
the
Mars Express cameras looked down on
the largest volcano in the solar system.
The result was
this stunningly detailed
overhead view of the
caldera or summit crater region of
Olympus Mons.
Fittingly named for the
lofty
abode of the gods of Greek mythology,
Olympus Mons rises 21 kilometers above the surrounding plain
or about 3 times the height of
Mt. Everest.
The area pictured is 102 kilometers across and the
caldera pits
are up to 3 kilometers deep.
For comparison,
hawaiian
volcanic calderas range up to 18 kilometers in diameter.
Outlined by
steep cliffs, Olympus Mons itself is about 600
kilometers in diameter.
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.
