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Spotty Dunes

NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows a suite of Mars' north polar dunes in the early stages of the defrosting process.
PIA06724
Credits: NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems
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Description

27 July 2004
Frost-covered dunes develop spots and streaks as they begin to defrost in springtime. This April 2004 Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a suite of north polar dunes in the early stages of the defrosting process. At the time the image was acquired, Mars was only 1 month into the northern spring season. The picture is located near 75.9°N, 266.0°W, and is illuminated by sunlight from the lower left. The image covers an area about 3 km (1.9 mi) wide.