News

NASA Releases Image Of Blue Dunes on Mars

We’ve all heard about blue moons, but what about blue dunes? NASA released a stunning image which has been titled the ‘Blue Dues on the Red Planet’. The image was taken by the infrared camera of the Mars Odyssey orbiter called the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS).

According to the U.S agency, the dunes surround Mars’ northern polar cap and were created by gusts of wind. The area (image below) which shows the blue dunes covers an area of 19 miles having approximately 80.3 degrees north latitude and 172.1 degrees east longitude.

Blue dunes (Image source: NASA)

This particular area is said to have vivid coloring which corresponds with different dune temperatures. These varying colors are primarily false color imaging where the orangey yet yellow-colored dunes signify massive coral reef energy and warmer temperature while the blue areas in the upper left corner of the image show cooler temperatures.

Moreover, according to NASA:
“[the THEMIS] measures the surface temperature day and night, allowing scientists to determine what physical materials, such as rock, sand, or dust, exist. Its data reveals the presence of these materials based on how they heat up or cool down over the course of a Martian day.”

Apart from just assisting scientists in creating maps of Mars, the THEMIS allows the scientists to identify nearly everything from sandstone to salts.

However, it is to be noted that this is primarily a special set of images that mark the 20th anniversary of Odyssey which is currently the longest-working Mars spacecraft in history, operating since 2001.

Sponsored
Usman Aslam

A tech enthusiast, writer, researcher and strategist working on the latest technologies and making an impact. Usman has been heavily focused on building communities, empowering people through technological trends and advancements for over 3+ years including many notable names such as IEEE Region 10, TEDx, Google Developers, United Nations Programmes, Microsoft Partner Program and much more. Reach out: usman.aslam@techjuice.pk

Leave a Comment
Share
Published by
Usman Aslam

Recent Posts

Record Emigration: Economic Instability Forces Pakistan’s Best and Brightest to Depart

Economic challenges are prompting skilled workers to leave Pakistan, resulting in a significant talent drain…

1 hour ago

Russia’s Fine on Google Exceeds World’s Economy

A Russian court has fined Google for blocking state-run media channels on YouTube, imposing a…

21 hours ago

No More Address Restrictions for Passport Issuance

ISLAMABAD: Passport applications no longer need to be submitted at the district office matching the…

21 hours ago

FBR Confirms No Further Extensions for Income Tax Return Deadline

The Federal Board of Revenue has decided that there will be no more extensions to…

22 hours ago

UAE Investors Hit Hard by Sudden Shutdown of Dizabo App

The Dizabo Super app used to offer handsome returns to hundreds of investors in the…

1 day ago

UBL Proposes Merger with Silkbank

United Bank Limited (PSX: UBL) has offered to merge Silkbank Limited (PSX: SILK) under Section…

1 day ago