More specifically, it is an image created by combining multiple photos added by Odyssey’s Odyssey imaging system, and while it may not be obvious when you look at it, the image below covers 30 km of the landscape of the Red Planet.
Mars’ Blue Dunes, Photo Credit: NASA
“A sea of dark dunes, formed by the wind in long lines, surrounds Mars’ northern polar cap and covers an area as large as Texas,” reads the NASA report on the image. “In this false-colored image, areas with cooler temperatures are recorded in bluer hues, while warmer properties are depicted in yellow and oranges. The dark, sun-warmed dunes thus glow with a golden color.”
This is another look at Mars, which has been NASA’s focus lately. NASA landed its latest Mars rover, Perseverance, on the Red Planet less than two months ago and one day later NASA unveiled the first images of Perseverance to the world. Because perseverance is equipped with microphones, we now know how the surface of Mars also sounds and spoilers. There is no heavy metal to be heard, despite what Doom made us believe.
NASA made people talk about Mars by hiding a secret message on the parachute of Perseverance. Between that secret message, hearing the surface of Mars for the first time and seeing its blue dunes, it’s a wonderful time to be someone interested in the Red Planet.
Only if that’s not enough, NASA’s first Mars helicopter will make its first flight in two days, giving everyone on earth a new perspective on the planet.
Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer, guide, and science guru for IGN. You can follow him Twitter @LeBlancWes.