These images, taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board ESA’s Mars Express spacecraft, show Nicholson Crater, located at the southern edge of Amazonis Planitia on Mars.
Modh meán
The HRSC obtained these images during orbit 1104 with a ground resolution of approximately 15.3 metres per pixel. The scenes show the region around Nicholson Crater, at approximately 0.0° South and 195.5° East.
Nicholson Crater, measuring approximately 100 kilometres wide, is located at the southern edge of Amazonis Planitia, north-west of a region called Medusae Fossae.
Modh meán
Located in the centre of this crater is a raised feature, about 55 kilometres long and 37 kilometres wide, which extends to a maximum height of roughly 3.5 kilometres above the floor of the crater.
At present, it is still unclear how this central feature was shaped and what kind of processes led to its formation. It is thought that the remnant hill could be composed of material from underground or was built as a result of atmospheric deposition.
Modh meán
The tall feature in the centre of this hill is the central peak of the crater, which forms when the surface material ‘rebounds’ after being compressed during the formation of an impact crater.
However, it is clear that this feature has been heavily sculpted after its creation, by the action of wind or even water.
Modh meán
Modh meán
The colour images were processed using the HRSC nadir (vertical view) and three colour channels. The perspective views were calculated from the digital terrain model derived from the stereo channels.
Modh meán
The 3D anaglyph images were created from the nadir channel and one of the stereo channels. Stereoscopic glasses are needed to view the 3D images Image resolution has been decreased for use on the internet.
For more information on Mars Express HRSC images, you might like to read our updated 'Frequently Asked Questions'.
Modh meán
Sulphate deposits in Juventae Chasma
‘Butterfly’ impact crater in Hesperia Planum
Fly over the Chasma Boreale at Martian north pole
Fan suas chun dáta
Liostáil lenár nuachtlitir chun an nuacht is déanaí, nuashonruithe misin, agus léargas eisiach a fháil go díreach i do bhosca isteach. Bí ar an gcéad duine a bheidh ar an eolas faoinár dtionscadail agus ár ndul chun cinn atá le teacht.