Frost patterns in Louth crater - Mars: frost patterns in Louth crater - This image...

Frost patterns in Louth crater - Mars: frost patterns in Louth crater - This image shows frost deposits on martian dunes located in the Louth crater (70.2N 256.9W). Photo obtained on March 26, 2008 by the HIRISE camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance orbiter probe. HIRISE is a 50 cm telescope that observes visible and near infrared. This image from the HIRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) camera on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows the changing seasonal frost patterns on Louth Crater, located at latitude 70 N. This crater contains a mound covered by water frost that persists throughout the year, which is unusual for this latitude. The seasonal carbon dioxide frost deposited during northern winter can also reach this latitude. At the time this image was acquired in northern spring, the carbon dioxide frost is in the process of sublimating back into the atmosphere. There are sand dunes near the edge of the mound, which become clear of frost in the summer. Image taken on March 26, 2008