Planetary Society logo
  • “Exploration is in our nature.” - Carl Sagan

Bruce Murray Space Image Library

Solis Planum from Mars Express

Solis Planum from Mars Express
Solis Planum from Mars Express Mars Express view of southern Noachis Terra on December 19, 2015. This image was made from a two color (blue/green) observation of hazes in the atmosphere. This image is largely centered on Solis Planum and the Thaumasia Plateau, a large lava plain. These regions are among the highest terrain on Mars outside of the Tharsis volcanoes. A networked cluster of fissures known as Noctis Labyrinthus is visible along the left edge of the image. These fissures form the western end of the Valles Marineris canyon system and were formed by the immense weight of the Tharsis volcanoes cracking the surface open. ESA / DLR / FU Berlin / Justin Cowart