Newly released images from the European Space Agency’s Mars Express orbiter show a breathtaking view of a huge ‘scar’ on the surface of Mars known as Aganippe Fossa.
This remarkable geologic formation is a graben, a steep-sided, trench-like gorge that extends for about 370 miles (600 kilometers), longer than the Grand Canyon.
These images provide unprecedented detail, shedding light on the Red Planet’s complex geological history and offering new insights into the planet’s dynamic past.
Detailed observations of Mars Express
The Mars Express orbiter, which has been circling Earth for some time, red planet since 2003, these stunning images captured on December 13, 2023. The newly released photos reveal intricate details of Aganippe Fossa and the surrounding landscape.
On the left side of the scar, the ground is characterized by uneven terrain with numerous hills, grooves and ridges. In contrast, the right side appears smoother and shows characteristic “zebra-like” rock stripes.
ESA representatives explained that this large difference is likely due to historical wind erosion affecting one side more than the other, stating: “This large difference was likely caused by historical wind erosion to the right of the rift, which has eroded the planet’s surface in that region. However, it is unclear why the rest of the surrounding landscape was not affected.”
Origin and geological significance
Aganippe Fossa is located near the base of Arsia Bergenone of the largest volcanoes on Mars, located on the Tharsis Plateau. This region is geologically rich, with two other large volcanoes—Pavonis Mons and Ascraeus Mons—and the highest peak in the solar system, Olympus Mons.
The formation of Aganippe Fossa is believed to be the result of a large magma plume that accumulated beneath Arsia Mons, causing the Martian crust to stretch and crack. ESA Officials elaborated further, noting: “We still don’t know how and when Aganippe Fossa formed, but it seems likely that it formed as magma rose beneath the colossal mass of the Tharsis volcanoes, stretching and tearing the Martian crust.”
This geological activity underscores the dynamic and volcanic nature of Mars’ history and reveals the powerful forces that have shaped the planet’s surface over millions of years.
Comparisons to other Martian features
While Aganippe Fossa Although longer than the Grand Canyon, it is still considerably shorter than Mars’ Valles Marineris, which stretches for over 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) along the planet’s equator, making it the largest canyon in the solar system.
Similar rifts exist in Nocturnal Labyrintha huge gap the size of Italy, located between Tharsis and Valles MarinerisThese comparisons highlight Mars’ diverse and dramatic landscapes, illustrating the planet’s rich geological complexity.
ESA explains: “Aganippe Fossa is one of many classic albedo features on Mars, which refers to the light and dark features that can be seen on the planet even with a telescope on Earth.”
Ongoing scientific exploration
The images captured by Mars Express not only highlight the dramatic features of Aganippe Fossa, but also contribute to our understanding of the geology of Mars. The region around Tharsis, including the volcanic halo of Arsia Mons, continues to intrigue scientists.
This area has also been the focus of recent discoveries, such as a hidden giant volcano near Nocturnal Labyrinth and more than 150,000 tonnes of frozen water over the peaks of the three Tharsis volcanoes. ESA noted: “The mission has been enormously productive throughout its lifetime, creating a much more complete and accurate understanding of our planetary neighbour than ever before.”
These new images of Aganippe Fossa provide a striking reminder of Mars’ dynamic past and ongoing geological activity. They also highlight the incredible capabilities of modern space exploration tools like the Mars Express orbiter, which continue to deepen our understanding of the Red Planet.
As Mars Express and other missions continue to explore the Red Planet, they are expected to reveal even more about the planet’s complex and fascinating geological history, and provide new perspectives on the processes that shaped our neighboring planet.
