The high resolution imaging science experiment (HiRISE) on the Mars Orbiter gives astronomers a view of the sediment deposits leftover from the lakes that once existed on Mars.

NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Views Lakebeds in Holden Crater

in Breaking News, Science-Tech April 17, 2017 0 10 Views

WT24 Desk

Astronomers believe Holden Crater was once filled by at least two different lakes. Now all that remains are the relatively light-toned sediments deposited in those lakes, as seen in this observation from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, according to NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona.

Each layer represents a different point in time and perhaps a changing environment for Martian life, if it existed. The elongated ridges with sharp crests are sand dunes.

The map is projected here at a scale of 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) per pixel. The original image scale is 25.9 centimeters (10.2 inches) per pixel (with 1 x 1 binning); objects on the order of 78 centimeters (30.7 inches) across are resolved. North is up.