Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Orbiter Camera
Layers Below Arsia
MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-980, 23 January 2005
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 layered rock outcropping in a pit on the lower west flank of Arsia Mons, one of the large Tharsis shield volcanoes. Given their location, these layers are very likely dominated by volcanic rocks, including lava flows. This depression is located near 8.8°S, 123.7°W. The image covers an area about 4.8 km (3 mi) wide and is illuminated by sunlight from the lower right.
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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