Was Mars Always This Way?

A breathtaking new image from the European Space Agency's Mars Express reveals the astounding duality of Mars: one side rugged and crater-pocked, while the other is a mesmerizing expanse of smooth plains.

A Tale of Two Terrains

Mars is a world of contrasts, split into two primary terrains. One half showcases ancient, rugged ground filled with craters and traces of tectonic activity, while the other boasts beautifully smooth surfaces shaped by volcanic activity over eons.

Intriguing Geological Features

The image, captured by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), focuses on the Acheron Fossae region, located near colossal volcanoes. Hidden in the backdrop are the formidable Olympus Mons and Alba Mons, both of which have energetically sculpted this area when Mars was more volcanically active.

Understanding the Grabens

Notice the troughs scattered across the image—these grabens, formed nearly four billion years ago, reveal Mars's dynamic geological history. As the crust stretched, sections of it dropped, creating ditches over an expanse that rivals the length of Germany!

Mysteries of the Younger Plains

In the heart of the image lies a newly formed smooth area, the precursor to expansive younger plains. Here, glacial movements are painterly evident, as flowing rock mimics the gentle undulation of waves on a beach, resulting in striking formations known as debris aprons.

Lava's Lasting Impact

The flat terrain farther from the cliffs suggests it was sculpted by lava flows from Alba Mons, blanketing the landscape in fresh rock. A massive impact crater, measuring 28 kilometers across, peeks through— a reminder of Mars's tumultuous past.

Volcanic Secrets Await

Adding to this fragile beauty are three conical peaks that tower miles into the Martian atmosphere, believed to be volcanic in origin. The grabens have sliced through these formations, hinting at the region's complex geological history.

Mars Express: A Window into Our Neighbor

Since its launch in 2003, ESA's Mars Express has tirelessly explored and mapped Mars at unmatched resolution, uncovering secrets that have reshaped our understanding of this neighboring planet.

Join the Exploration!

Curious about what else the red planet holds? This stunning imagery not only captivates but also beckons us to delve deeper into Mars's enchanting secrets.