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Dunes of Mars

In yet another cool image from the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter near Mars, we see these dunes on the planet's surface. This image comes from the Hellespontus region of Mars, where sand from local mesas has been molded into these shapes by high intensity winds. No word yet on whether the famous canals of Mars are actually wormsign. You can learn more about Martian sand dunes here. Photo via AP, HO, and NASA.

7:00 AM on Thu Apr 10 2008
By Annalee Newitz
990 views, 14 comments

Latest by Grey_Area: You fools! Flip the picture 180 degrees and one can plainly see these are GIANT HOOFPRINTS!! more »

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Dust Devils Of Mars

The Martian wind has cut deep crevasses into this crater in the Terra Cimmeria region. The edges of these dunes look sort of like fins in this new image from the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. But the fins are actually double "horns" where the wind from the East hit the dunes. You can also see "dark, sinuous forms" where Martian "dust devils" pushed away the brighter dust and uncovered the darker surface. Click through for another image. More »

6:20 AM on Fri Jan 4 2008
By charliejane
794 views, 3 comments

Latest by Klappstuhl: I don't get it. What does that mean? more »

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Moon Camera Has Earth Under Surveillance

A special HDTV camera on Japan's lunar probe, SELENE, captured the first ever hi-def image of the Earth sinking over the Moon's horizon, released Nov. 13. You can just see the brown shape of Australia on the top left. And click through for a gallery of cool images of last Friday's spacewalk at the International Space Station. Photo by AP/Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and NHK, HO More »

8:40 AM on Fri Nov 16 2007
By charliejane
196 views, Comment

space age

China Will Win The Next Space Race

What will it take to launch another space age to replace the one that ended with the Cold War? Maybe another space race. China is ramping up its efforts to put people back on the Moon, launch more lunar orbiters, and build its own space station. Already, China is challenging the U.S.' domination of space launches. More »

11:40 AM on Wed Nov 14 2007
By charliejane
75 views, Comment

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New Images Show An Ancient Lake Bed On Mars

It's easy to believe there was water on Mars when you can see the evidence so vividly. The high-resolution camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (known as HiRISE) has finally started sending color images, and the results are startling. In the image to the left, you can see the dark basaltic sand, and patterns that may have indicated an ancient lake may have dried out there. More »

7:15 PM on Fri Oct 12 2007
By charliejane
150 views, Comment