HiPOD: Tuesday, 14 July 2026
Circular Outcrop of Bright Rock

Circular Outcrop of Bright Rock

Circular Mystery
This image features an interesting circular outcrop of rock that appears dark in infrared but in Context Camera data, appears to be a much rougher terrain surrounding a knob. It is possible this is the remnant of an ancient cinder cone and surrounding lava field. The area might be on a postulated shield volcano with its caldera to the north. Or is it a deposit of minerals from fumaroles similar to those found near Home Plate that the Spirit rover explored?

ID: ESP_077125_1525
date: 8 January 2023
altitude: 254 km

https://uahirise.org/hipod/ESP_077125_1525
NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona
#Mars #science #NASA

Black & white is less than 5 km across; enhanced color is less than 1 km. For full observation details, visit the ID link.