The flanks of Ascraeus Mons
This image from ESA’s Mars Express shows the southern flanks of Ascraeus Mons, the second-tallest volcano on Mars.
This image comprises data gathered by Mars Express’ High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on 15 January 2023 during orbit 24045. It was created using data from the nadir channel, the field of view aligned perpendicular to the surface of Mars, and the colour channels of the HRSC. It is a ‘true colour’ image, reflecting what would be seen by the human eye if looking at this region of Mars.
North is to the right. The ground resolution is approximately 16 m/pixel and the image is centred at about 254°E/9°N.
Alt-text: Dramatic features are visible across the frame, many of which overlap and knit together: lava flows and tubes, chains of craters, channel-like rilles and large fissures, all resembling irregular depressions and grooves in the tan-coloured surface. These are collectively named Ascraeus Chasmata, and encompass an enormous patch of collapsed terrain over 70 km across.
