A new perspective on Mars – the South Pole and beyond

Mars south pole and beyond — A sweeping view by ESA’s Mars Express extends from the planet’s south polar ice cap and across its cratered highlands to the Hellas Basin (top left) and beyond. See below for an annotated version and an image that shows the wider topography.

ESA/DLR/FU Berlin, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO

The image above from the European Space Agency’s Mars Express is a “broom calibration” image, acquired as the spacecraft’s camera pans over the surface from about 9,900 kilometres above the planet.

Mars south pole and beyond colour — Colour-coded topography map of the region imaged by ESA’s Mars Express. The elevation is indicated in the scale, with whites to reds the highest terrains, and blues to purples the deepest. The image spans from the south pole to about 10ºN, and includes a portion of the vast Hellas Basin.

ESA

Originally published by Cosmos as A new perspective on Mars – the South Pole and beyond

Bill Condie

Bill Condie is a science journalist based in Adelaide, Australia.

Read science facts, not fiction...

There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.

Make a donation