"Stunning New Photos Reveal Grand Canyon-Sized Scar on Mars!"

 New satellite images from the European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter have unveiled the most detailed views of a gigantic ravine on Mars. Named Aganippe Fossa, this dark "scar" stretches across the Red Planet's surface, presenting a fascinating geological feature that rivals some of Earth's most iconic landmarks.

Aganippe Fossa, a massive graben, spans approximately 375 miles (600 kilometers), making it longer than the Grand Canyon. This "ditch-like groove with steep walls" was first noticed in 1930 but was officially named only in 1976. The newly released photos, taken on December 13, 2023, provide an unprecedented look at this mysterious Martian feature.


The giant "scar," known as Aganippe Fossa, is around 375 miles long from end to end. (Image credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin)

  • The Birth of a Martian Scar

This scar was likely formed millions of years ago due to extreme volcanic activity. A massive blob of magma beneath the nearby Arsia Mons volcano pushed the crust upwards, causing it to crack and form this extensive ravine. The region around Arsia Mons is one of Mars's most geologically active and exciting areas. This 12-mile-tall extinct volcano and its companions Pavonis Mons and Ascraeus Mons form a striking line of volcanic peaks near the planet's equator. These peaks are flanked by Olympus Mons, the tallest volcano in the solar system, which towers over 16 miles (25 km) above the surface.

  • Unusual Terrain and Zebra Stripes

One of the most intriguing aspects of the newly released images is the contrasting landscape on either side of the graben. To the left of the scar, the terrain is uneven, dotted with mounds, grooves, and ridges. To the right, the ground is smooth and features zebra-like rocky stripes. This stark difference is likely the result of historic wind erosion, which affected one side more than the other.


This map of Mars shows the location of Aganippe Fossa (blue line in bottom left) compared to other Martian locations including Olympus Mons (top left), the three Tharsis volcanoes and Valles Marineris (bottom right). (Image credit: USGS/CartoCosmos)

  • The Ongoing Exploration of Mars

Mars Express has been orbiting Mars since 2003, continuously providing valuable data about the planet's surface and atmosphere. Its High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) has captured high-resolution, three-dimensional images that help scientists understand the Red Planet's geology and history. From wind-sculpted ridges to ancient lava pools, the HRSC has revealed Mars's diverse and dynamic nature.

The discovery of Aganippe Fossa and other geological features like Noctis Labyrinthus highlights the importance of continued exploration and study of Mars. With ongoing missions and advancements in technology, our understanding of the Red Planet continues to grow, bringing us closer to unraveling the mysteries of our planetary neighbor.


By:- Ranjan


#whycosmo, #spacenews, #MarsDiscovery, #SpaceExploration, #MarsExpress, #AganippeFossa, #VolcanicActivity, #RedPlanetMysteries,

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