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Bruce Murray Space Image Library

Changes at Mars' south pole

Changes at Mars' south pole
Changes at Mars' south pole This four-image animation from the CRISM imaging spectrometer on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter records changes in the surface deposits near the Martian south pole with the arrival of spring. The vernal equinox came at solar longitude Ls = 180°. At this time, the south polar seasonal cap, consisting of mixed carbon dioxide and water, begins to defrost, producing changes in the spot and fan deposits shown here. An infrared version of the same animation shows that the brightest new deposts are primarily carbon dioxide frost. NASA / JPL-Caltech / JHUAPL / USGS