Scientists at the University of Arizona believe that this crater, captured by the HiRISE sensor on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, appeared between September 2016 and February 2019. This spacecraft has orbited Mars for 11 years and observes the planet’s minerals as well as ice with sensors.
Veronica Bray from the University of Arizona states that the crater was on the large side for such features on Mars – and that such impacts are fairly rare events on the Red Planet. However, the rock is thought to have been 5-feet wide, a size which would thpically burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.
- Feed a passion for science and technology – Kids can learn more about the challenges of space exploration with this LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover...
- Conduct a test flight – This advanced building kit for kids ages 10 and up includes a buildable toy version of NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter, which...
- AR brings the mission to life – The accompanying augmented reality app experience lets kids dive into the details of the rover and its mission
An impressionist painting? No, it’s a new impact crater that has appeared on the surface of Mars. What makes this stand out is the darker material exposed beneath the reddish dust,” said the researchers.
