Gamboa Crater, Mars

© NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizon

Out of this world. Gamboa Crater, Mars

It would be pretty tough to live on Mars. It’s cold, dry, and the conditions are harsh. The planet’s average temperature is about –81 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can get as low as –243 at the poles. But with many canyons, extinct volcanoes, and ice caps, it’s beautiful to look at from afar. Most photos of the red planet highlight its rusty color, caused by high levels of iron oxide.

This photo shows us Mars’ Gamboa Crater, but not with accurate colors. Scientists have recolored the wavelengths that our eyes can’t see on their own. These added details let us see the effects of wind inside the crater, providing a perfect example of the spectacularly complex features of this planet.