Thanks to the UofA’s HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) we get an awesome glimpse into life on Mars every week! Below is a picture of active sand dunes in the Nili Patera region:
The resolution and ability of the HiRISE camera to take multiple images of the same target has allowed scientists to monitor and detect small-scale changes on the surface of Mars over time.
Some of the linear ripples on these large crescent-shaped dunes in the Nili Patera region are moving, confirming they are active in the current climate conditions.
For more information about the HiRise and the photographic work being done at the University, click here.
This article appears in Jun 16-22, 2011.
Charles Fickey: I have been fascinated about anything concerning Mars, ever since I was in fifth grade and read Edgar Rice Burroughs novels about John Carter on Mars. I write short stories and am planning to write an story of the first earth being sent to Mars. It is a Teddy Bear. He only needs a small ship, no provisions, the atmosphere and temperature on Mars will not bother him. Wait for the story, I’m working on it, in conjunction with the bear whose name is Karl.