A spectacular animation recently published on YouTube by the European Space Agency (ESA) reproduces a simulated flight of the Mars Express probe over one of the most impressive areas of the planet Mars: geological formation Noctis Labyrinthusor, in Portuguese, the Labyrinth of the Night.
This is an area on the red planet where fissures exist, creating a rugged terrain characterized by a complex system of canyons, geological faults and gorges. “Carved” by intense geological activity, Noctis Labyrinthus is part of the great Tharsis volcanic plain located in the western hemisphere of Mars and famous for being home to some of the largest volcanoes in the solar system.
The special interest of scientists and geologists in the region is mainly due to its potential to provide some important information about the tectonic processes that shaped the surface of Mars. Even though it’s dry today view Noctis Labyrinthus suggests a history of lava flows and even water lakes in the recent geological past.
Flying over the geological history of Mars
The complex network of valleys and gorges located between the Valles Marineris and Tharsis geological formations, Noctis Labyrinthus It did not appear overnight, but is the result of a very long-term geological process that resulted in significant activity of many volcanoes, including the imposing Mount Olympus, almost 22 kilometers high.
The intensity of this uninterrupted series of volcanic eruptions caused a high bulge to form on the surface of Mars. often referred to as the “Tharsis rise” This event, which caused tectonic turbulence in neighboring regions, was partly responsible for numerous deformations and extreme stresses in the Martian crust.
Another interesting formation shown in the video is grabens, which are parts of the crust that shrink due to tectonic stress.
What does the Mars flyby video show?
Flight simulation video A collage of images taken by the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) between 2006 and 2015. The probe has already mapped more than 90% of the planet’s landscape. In addition to images, the spacecraft also maps the planet’s mineral composition, analyzes its thin atmosphere and conducts research beneath the Martian crust.
A digital model of the terrain was traced, with 50 individual frames forming a one-second video to give the illusion of a three-dimensional landscape. The images were captured by following a “predetermined camera path,” according to a press release.
In the official document, ESA officials explain: “The highest plateaus seen here represent the original surface level before parts of the surface fell away.”. The expectation is that this long-term study of massive landslides and vast dune fields formed by ebbing and flowing sandstorms may provide valuable clues about future scientific exploration of Mars.
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Source: Tec Mundo
I’m Blaine Morgan, an experienced journalist and writer with over 8 years of experience in the tech industry. My expertise lies in writing about technology news and trends, covering everything from cutting-edge gadgets to emerging software developments. I’ve written for several leading publications including Gadget Onus where I am an author.
