The Lynnertic

Mars’ Hebes Chasma

Perspective view of Hebes Chasma obtained by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on ESA’s Mars Express spacecraft.

Hebes Chasma is located at approximately 1° south and 282° east. The HRSC obtained image data on 16 September 2005 with a ground resolution of approximately 15 m/pixel.

The European Space Agency released beautiful photographs of the Hebes Chasma on Mars, taken by the Mars Express.

Latest data acquired by the OMEGA spectrometer on-board Mars Express has revealed water-bearing minerals such as gypsum in some areas of Hebes Chasma. This is proof that at least significant quantities of water once existed in Hebes Chasma.

What is a chasma? It’s a term in planetary geology for a “deep, elongated, steep-sided depression”, or a gigantic trough. This chasma is 5 miles deep.

The Daily Mail geeks out over the high resolution stereo camera, and shows a few more shots of the chasma. The ESA’s News article offers high-res photos for download and explains more about the chasma. Learn more about planetary geology (exogeology) at the USGS Astrogeology Research Program website.