Holey Mars
February 20th 2008 08:36
Images obtained from the Mars Odyssey Orbiter revealed a series of dark “spots” or "holes" on the surface of Mars.
Although the images are puzzling there are believed to be entrances to underground caverns. The Odyssey space craft has photographed numerous” Spots” or Holes some with the diameter of around 250 meters or 820ft.
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter included this one, of a fairly plain-looking ancient lava lake to the northeast of Arsia Mons. Bland, that is, except for a black spot in the center. This black spot is one of seven possible entrances to possible subterranean caves. On further investigation the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured more images with it’s hi resolution cameras.
The sharper camera can see the detailed shape of the slightly scalloped edge of a hole on the flank of Mars' Arsia Mons. As you can see by the highly enhanced image there is absolutely nothing visible inside that hole. It's black.
It is not known at this stage whether the holes are natural formations or caused by the geology of the Martian surface crust. They may prove valuable for future astronauts landing on Mars as they may offer protection from the hazards of radiation and the extreme weather changes on the Martian surface. Currently there is a great deal of speculation about the entrances perhaps they may lead to subterranean caves or tunnels.
Credit: NASA / JPL / U. Arizona
Although the images are puzzling there are believed to be entrances to underground caverns. The Odyssey space craft has photographed numerous” Spots” or Holes some with the diameter of around 250 meters or 820ft.
The sharper camera can see the detailed shape of the slightly scalloped edge of a hole on the flank of Mars' Arsia Mons. As you can see by the highly enhanced image there is absolutely nothing visible inside that hole. It's black.
It is not known at this stage whether the holes are natural formations or caused by the geology of the Martian surface crust. They may prove valuable for future astronauts landing on Mars as they may offer protection from the hazards of radiation and the extreme weather changes on the Martian surface. Currently there is a great deal of speculation about the entrances perhaps they may lead to subterranean caves or tunnels.
Credit: NASA / JPL / U. Arizona
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