This fantastic Martian impact crater was captured by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter at a slightly oblique angle that reveals new detail in the geological strata exposed in the crater wall.
The rim of the half-mile-wide Victoria Crater, located in the Meridiani Planum region of Mars, was explored by the Opportunity rover for two years ending in August 2008. Some of the rovers tracks are visible to the left of the crater.
This new view, which has been color-enhanced image highlights a bright band near the rim that marks the boundary between the bedrock and the material that was excavated by the asteroid, called ejecta. The beautiful pattern on the crater floor is made up of sand dunes.
The image was taken on July 18 by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera. A previous photo taken from directly above the crater in 2006 isn't as revealing.
Image: NASA/JPL-caltech/University of Arizona
See Also:
- Asteroid Impact Craters on Earth as Seen From Space
- Free Spirit: NASA Recreates Mars Surface to Liberate Rover
- Life Hunters Target Methane Plumes on Mars
- Martian Volcano Could Be Reservoir for Life
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