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Bruce Murray Space Image Library

Color version of the 'Phoenix Descending' HiRISE image

Color version of the 'Phoenix Descending' HiRISE image
Color version of the 'Phoenix Descending' HiRISE image When the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's HiRISE camera captured an image of Phoenix descending under its parachute, it also captured some color data, though unfortunately not on top of Phoenix. The gaps between the color strips are caused by the fact that the camera's detector is actually made up of 14 staggered sensors, and the spacecraft had to slew at an angle in order not to capture a distorted view of Phoenix. Most of the color information indicates that the landscape is the usual red of Mars, but some blue spots indicate the presence of frost inside Heimdall crater. NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of Arizona