Mars Express views Idaeus Fossae on Mars

The Idaeus Fossae region of the Red Planet is filled with fascinating tidbits for Mars enthusiasts. This patch of martian ground is covered in dark layers of volcanic minerals, steep rocky outcrops, wrinkled ridges in the red-brown surface, and an intriguing example of a butterfly crater.

We've added labels to highlight features and regions of note. Be sure to click on these labels to explore the landscape in detail!

This image comprises data gathered by Mars Express’s High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on 8 November 2024 (orbit 26325). It was created using data from the nadir channel, the field of view aligned perpendicular to the surface of Mars, and the colour channels of the HRSC. North is to the right. The ground resolution of the original image is approximately 17 m/pixel and the image is centred at about 37°N/309°E.

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[Image description: A wide, yellow-reddish-brown Martian landscape viewed from above. The surface appears dusty and uneven, with several large circular impact craters scattered across the scene. Two prominent craters on the right have steep, rugged rims and darker interiors, while smaller craters dot the terrain throughout. The ground shows faint ridges and cracks, giving it a textured, weathered look.]