HiRISE | HiPOD Updates

HiPOD: Week of 29 September 2025

	Mesa Monitoring There were lots of recurring slope lineae (RSL) candidates in an earlier observation of this area of Gorgonum Chaos that we acquired after a planet-encircling dust event on Mars in 2018. Our science goal is to confirm any RSL and look for changes. “Chaos terrain” is typified by regions of blocky, often steep sided, mesas interspersed with deep valleys.
	Future Travels in East Coprates Chasma From the science rationale: “We are exploring rotorcraft mission concepts that would explore geology in Coprates Canyon, specifically low-calcium pyroxene which reflects pristine crustal material in this location. This concept may require traverse between the Valles Marineris floor and the plateau.”
	A Layered Mesa in Deuteronilus Mensae The objective of this observation is to examine a layered mesa in a small crater. The mesa appears to be higher than the crater rim. The scene is also visible in Context Camera data. The Deuteronilus Mensae region is located on the northern edge of Arabia Terra and bordering the southern highlands and the northern lowlands.
	Dunes in Milankovic Crater The science goal for this observation is to study seasonal dune and frost monitoring, as well as obtain detailed surface measurements. The CRISM instrument on MRO was requested to “ride along” for this target to assist with frost detection. This is also an example of when different instruments are used together to get more details and coverage of a target.