[meteorite-list] Mars Orbiters Observe New Impact Crater on Mars

[Ron Baalke]

http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_019195_2175

New Impact Crater (ESP_019195_2175)

[Image]
The MRO Context camera team noticed a dark spot in an image taken in 
August 2010 that was not present in a Mars Odyssey THEMIS image taken 
in December 2007.

The team therefore requested a full-resolution HiRISE image of the dark
spot to determine whether it was caused by an impact. Indeed, the HiRISE
image shows an approximately 7 meter-diameter fresh crater and dark
ejecta blanket at this location. These small impact craters continue to
form on Mars, and are most easily recognized in areas covered by bright
dust.

Written by: Ken Herkenhoff

Original release: 6 October 2010