CTX-7: Image of Becquerel Crater 24 meter/pixel version (2.1 MBytes) 12 meter/pixel version (7.5 MBytes) 6 meter/pixel version (full resolution)(29.8 MBytes) Image credit: NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems |
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The mound of layered rock near the center of Becquerel Crater (2.6°N, 8.2°W) is one of the best examples of sedimentary rocks on Mars. This location has been suggested as a possible target for the 2009 Mars Science Laboratory rover mission. An interesting attribute of this mound is that most of the actual rock is light-toned. The darker bands seen in this image are actually dark, wind-blown sediment that has been trapped on the surface by the small escarpments associated with each layer. The source of this dark sediment is the sand dune fields to the north and south of the layered mound. North is towards the top of this image and the sun is shining from the left. |
Malin Space Science Systems built and operates the CTX and MARCI onboard MRO at its facilities in San Diego, California. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory operates the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft with its industrial partner, Lockheed Martin Astronautics, from facilities in Pasadena, California, and Denver, Colorado.
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