NASA Mars Picture of the Day: Arkhangelsky Dunes

Mars Global Surveyor Mars Orbiter Camera

MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-711, 29 April 2004

NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems

These dark-toned barchan sand dunes in Arkhangelsky Crater
were viewed by the
Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC)
in late southern summer on 17 February 2004. Hundreds of
narrow, dark streaks crisscross the dunes and the interdune
terrain; these were most likely formed by the disruption of fine
sediment by passing dust devils. The dune field is located
near 41.2°S, 25.0°W, and is illuminated by sunlight
from the upper left. Dune horns and slip faces indicate that the
dominant winds blow from the southwest (lower left).
The picture covers an area about 3 km (1.9 mi) across.

Malin Space Science Systems and the California Institute of Technology
built the MOC using spare hardware from the Mars Observer mission.
MSSS operates the camera from its facilities in San Diego, California.
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Mars Surveyor Operations Project
operates the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft with its industrial
partner, Lockheed Martin Astronautics, from facilities in Pasadena,
California and Denver, Colorado.