Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Orbiter Camera

Apollinaris Patera Surfaces

MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-378, 1 June 2003


NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems

This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows rugged, wind-eroded material that once used to completely cover the upper flanks of the martian volcano, Apollinaris Patera. This material; perhaps ancient volcanic ash or more recent, cemented dust, has been partially removed by wind erosion, revealing a smoother surface beneath. This view is located near the summit of the volcano, around 9.3°S, 186.1°W. Sunlight illuminates the scene from the upper left.

Malin Space Science Systems and the California Institute of Technology built the MOC using spare hardware from the Mars Observer mission. MSSS operates the camera from its facilities in San Diego, California. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Mars Surveyor Operations Project operates the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft with its industrial partner, Lockheed Martin Astronautics, from facilities in Pasadena, California and Denver, Colorado.

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