By: ArtAlienTV-Gigapans
Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona ⧉
Subject: ArtAlienTV
License: Copyright, All Rights Reserved

Uploaded: 20 Sep 2024
Last Updated: 20 Sep 2024

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Science Theme: Seasonal Processes. Acquisition date 16 July 2019. NASA Text: It’s spring in the Northern Hemisphere of Mars, and the polar region is still blanketed by seasonal carbon dioxide frost (dry ice). This image shows an area near the sand sea (called an “erg”) that is surrounding the water ice-rich layered deposits. The many bumps are sand dunes less than 100 meters across that are mostly covered by seasonal frost, appearing in a manner that looks artificial but is a natural consequence of the wind patterns in this region. The smaller, darker spots are places where the seasonal frost has sublimed away, exposing the dark surface below. The combination of these features makes for an unearthly scene! Written by: Ken Herkenhoff (audio: Tre Gibbs) (14 October 2019)