Home · Science · Sep 12 archive
Astronomers Spot 'Bear' on Mars in Latest Orbiter Photos
Developing
In Short: On December 12, 2022, NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured an unusual hill in the southern highlands of Mars, reminiscent of earlier findings like the alleged 'Face on Mars'.
On December 12, 2022, NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) captured an unremarkable shot of the Martian surface, one of tens of thousands taken since 2006. However, the image, taken 251 kilometers above the southern highlands, sparked interest due to its resemblance to a carved human face, similar to the 'Face on Mars' discovered in 1976.
The latest image, part of a series of observations by MRO and Mars Express, focused on a specific location known as Sisyphi Cavi, a system of deep polar pits near Mars' south pole. Despite being known for active gullies, this area is located outside the usual latitudes where such features typically form.
This latest discovery, while not as controversial as the 'Face on Mars,' adds to the intrigue surrounding the Red Planet's surface features. Scientists continue to study these anomalies to better understand Mars' geological history and potential for past or present life.
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Mars Express have been observing Mars for years, providing valuable data for researchers. The latest image, though unremarkable at first glance, could potentially lead to new insights into the planet's surface features and geological processes.
What's still developing
- The invisible substance pervades the cosmos but has eluded direct detection so far The LZ detector (shown under construction) spotted a single event that could be a dark matter particle, but scientists need more data to check.
- In 1976, NASA's Viking 1 orbiter photographed a mesa in Mars' Cydonia region that, at low resolution looked eerily like a carved human face staring up at space.
- To prove this idea, the authors turned to data from two of the longest-standing observers of Mars’ environment - Mars Express and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO).
Sources
- ScienceAlertlink