Mars seems to be the center of the universe these days. Of course figuratively speaking.
The probe entered Mars’ orbit last Tuesday and will last a full Mars year around the planet, which is about two years for our Earthlings. It aims to give a complete picture of the Martian atmosphere and its layers, according to the mission’s website.
Bin Zayed shared the news with an uplifting message, saying he hopes the “mission will lead to new discoveries about Mars that will benefit humanity.”
According to BBC News, the image was taken about 15,000 kilometers from the Martian surface on Wednesday, about a day after the probe entered the planet’s orbit.
Viewers can see the north pole of the planet at the top left of the image, according to BBC News. The largest volcanic system on Mars, Olympus Mons, can be seen in the center of the photo. And a giant ravine system, known as Valles Marineris, is in the eastern part of the planet (though partly covered by a cloud).
The UAE plans to release more photos like this during the Hope Probe mission.