PIA02198: Smooth Transition


Smooth Transition

Caption:

22 February 2006
This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a transition from one of the many layered troughs in the north polar region of Mars to the relatively homogeneous-looking upper surface of the polar cap. The difference in brightness across this scene is a function of several factors, one of which is the amount of dust versus that of ice in any given location. The bright material that dominates the scene is largely water ice.

Location near : 83.2°N, 297.8°W
Image width : ~3 km (~1.9 mi)
Illumination from : lower right
Season : Northern Summer

Cataloging Keywords:

Name Value Additional Values
Target Mars
System
Target Type Planet
Mission Mars Global Surveyor (MGS)
Instrument Host Mars Global Surveyor
Host Type Orbiter
Instrument Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC)
Detector
Extra Keywords Dust, Grayscale, Water
Acquisition Date
Release Date 2006-02-22
Date in Caption 2006-02-22
Image Credit NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems
Source photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA02198
Identifier PIA02198