Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Orbiter Camera
Hellas Banded Terrain
MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-759, 16 June 2004
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 the banded southeastern floor of the giant impact basin, Hellas. Hellas Planitia is a large and varied region. In southeastern Hellas, banded terrain is fairly common. The pattern probably results from erosion of layered sediment that was subsequently covered by a mantling material. This mantling material later was eroded and roughened the terrain somewhat. This image is located near 41.1°S, 275.6°W. The picture covers an area about 3 km (1.9 mi) across; 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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