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Epic map reveals Mars's geography in unrivalled detail
This stunning map of Mars reveals the Red Planet's geology in unprecedented detail, giving us a new understanding of the red planet's fiery history.
The map combines 16 years' worth of observations from four orbiting spacecraft: Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, Mars Express and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
It is the first global geological map of Mars since the Viking orbiter's effort in 1987 – which you can stroll through on Google Earth. It reveals that much of the Martian surface is older than previously thought, and confirms the planet was geologically active until recently.
The map will help pinpoint interesting landing spots for upcoming missions like the European Space Agency's ExoMars, due to launch in 2018, and NASA's InSight, due to launch in 2016 – not to mention ambitious plans to put a reality-TV show on Mars.
Download the epic poster-sized map at the US Geological Survey website.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn25907-epic-map-reveals-marss-geography-in-unrivalled-detail.html#.U8fLaFbmHib