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Polygon Patterns

NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows
PIA04793
Credits: NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems
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Description

MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-511, 12 October 2003

This August 2003 Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows polygon patterns, enhanced by frost in the cracks that outline the polygon forms, in the south polar region of Mars. On Earth, patterns such as this usually indicate the presence of ice in the subsurface. The same might be true for Mars. This picture is located near 70.6°S, 309.5°W, and covers an area 3 km (1.9 mi) wide. The image is illuminated by sunlight from the upper left.