Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Orbiter Camera
Elysium Mons Wind Streak
MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-556, 26 November 2003
NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems |
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NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems |
This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a wind streak formed behind a meteor impact crater on the lower north flank of the volcano, Elysium Mons. Winds blow down the volcano slope, toward the northeast (toward upper right), causing a tail of uneroded dust to be captured behind the crater. Thin, filamentary dark streaks (resembling pencil scratches in this image) can be seen on the surface of the bright wind streak; these may have formed by disruption of surface dust by passing dust devils. This picture is located near 27.7°N, 212.7°W. The image covers an area 3 km (1.9 mi) wide, and is illuminated by sunlight from the 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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