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    Oxia Planum close up

    Date: 09 November 2018
    Satellite: MRO
    Copyright: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona

    The OMEGA infrared spectrometer on board ESA's Mars Express, and CRISM onboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), have identified iron-magnesium rich clays like smectite over hundreds of square kilometres around the Oxia Planum site. The origin of the clays – perhaps due to alteration of volcanic sediments – is of keen interest to researchers looking for a terrain where traces of life have been preserved and could be studied by a rover.

    This image was taken by MRO's high resolution camera HiRISE and shows a relatively flat surface in this region. Images like these have been used in the assessment of the various landing site candidates.

    The image is centred at 18.275°N / 335.368°E.


    Last Update: 09 November 2018

    • Shortcut URL
    • http://exploration.esa.int/jump.cfm?oid=60919
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    • See Also
    • Oxia Planum favoured for ExoMars surface mission

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