Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Orbiter Camera
Arkhangelsky Dunes
MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-711, 29 April 2004
NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems |
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NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems |
These dark-toned barchan sand dunes in Arkhangelsky Crater were viewed by the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) in late southern summer on 17 February 2004. Hundreds of narrow, dark streaks crisscross the dunes and the interdune terrain; these were most likely formed by the disruption of fine sediment by passing dust devils. The dune field is located near 41.2°S, 25.0°W, and is illuminated by sunlight from the upper left. Dune horns and slip faces indicate that the dominant winds blow from the southwest (lower left). The picture covers an area about 3 km (1.9 mi) across.
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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