This image from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows “Victoria crater,” an impact crater at Meridiani Planum, near the equator of Mars. The crater is approximately 800 meters (half a mile) in diameter. It has a distinctive scalloped shape to its rim, caused by erosion and downhill movement of crater wall material. Layered sedimentary rocks are exposed along the inner wall of the crater, and boulders that have fallen from the crater wall are visible on the crater floor. The floor of the crater is occupied by a striking field of sand dunes.
Humans fire laser to sky, sky laughs, responds with lightning
(They were actually firing a kind of “guide star” that is used to target and correct ground-based telescopes when this shot happened. Nature is still not impressed)
(via Short Sharp Science)
Footprints on The Moon
We’ve probably all had an experience with a moon landing conspirator, well here’s some pretty strong evidence and still just a damn cool photograph of human moon exploration. We can clearly see the trails left by Apollo 17 astronauts, who were members of the last American moon landing along with equipment they left behind.
More evidence of Mar’s watery past.
This image shows part of the Eberswalde crater which formed about 3.7 billion years ago. The curious thing about this picture is the squiggly lines that make up water feeder channels along with clear depictions of what look like ancient river deltas. Obviously there’s no liquid water there today, but this is proof that a long time ago in Mar’s past there was liquid water on the surface.
The Waters of Mars
The above image shows a basic simulation of what Mars may have looked like two billion years ago. Note the ocean.
Evidence has come to light that Mar’s lowlands may have been covered in water. This idea has come about as samples of rock show an abundance of phyllosilicates (a type of mineral) when compared to rock samples from higher elevations. As phyllosilicates are usually found in salt water on Earth so the logical conclusion to make is that parts of Mars were once submerged by oceans. Before you go pack your time machine for a visit to the ancient beaches of Mars it should be noted that this ocean would have been frigid and rimmed by glaciers. When taking a look at the coast line the geological evidence supports this, often showing signs of glacial wear and tear along with deposits of rocks known as moraines.
A newly discovered alien planet that formed from a dead star is a real diamond in the rough.
The super-high pressure of the planet, which orbits a rapidly pulsing neutron star, has likely caused the carbon within it to crystallize into an actual diamond, a new study suggests.
The composition of the planet, which is about five times the size of Earth, is not its only outstanding feature.
