One of Mars' polar ice caps NASA / JPL-Caltech/MSSS NASA / JPL-Caltech/MSSS / JPL-Caltech/MSSS

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MARS DEFINITELY DESERVES its ‘Red Planet‘ nickname, since it’s basically covered in reddish-brown rust.

But scientists use such a range of photographing techniques that the planet can end up a rainbow of colours.

NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter started circling the planet in 2006, and since then its camera has been busy capturing gorgeous – and scientifically valuable – images of Mars.

That camera, called HiRISE, takes images so detailed scientists can examine the planet’s features at the scale of just a few feet.

We combed through the camera’s latest update to find some of the most beautiful pictures. Scientists haven’t had a chance to dig their teeth into them yet – but when they do, who knows what incredible discoveries they’ll make.

A possible landing site for the ExoMars mission, which the European Space Agency is running.

NASA / JPL/University of Arizona NASA / JPL/University of Arizona / JPL/University of Arizona

A North Pole dune field nicknamed “Kolhar” after Frank Herbert’s fictional world.

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Cerberus Palus crater showing off layered sediments.

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Glacial terrain looks strangely iridescent.

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A steep slope in Eastern Noctis Labyrinthus.

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Dunes in a Martian crater. The red bar is an artifact of NASA’s image processing.

http: / /www.uahirise.org/ESP_046209_1390 http: / /www.uahirise.org/ESP_046209_1390 / /www.uahirise.org/ESP_046209_1390

A possible landing site for the Mars 2020 mission NASA wants to launch in a few years.

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The Tharsis region, which is the most volcanic part of Mars.

NASA / JPL/University of Arizona NASA / JPL/University of Arizona / JPL/University of Arizona

Terrain near the Martian equator.

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Steep-sided craters on a Martian plain.

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Ceraunius Fossae is a region dominated by volcanic flows and large cracks.

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Layers in Martian buttes found in a region called West Arabia.

NASA / JPL/University of Arizona NASA / JPL/University of Arizona / JPL/University of Arizona

Beautiful texture in the region called North Sinus Meridiani.

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Wind-shaped features on Mars — the green bar is leftover from processing the image.

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A recent impact crater on Mars (we’re pretty sure no one put out a giant cigarette here).

NASA / JPL/University of Arizona NASA / JPL/University of Arizona / JPL/University of Arizona

A crater on Arcadia Planitia, a large flat region of Mars.

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The creation of ‘fans’ around dunes may help scientists understand seasonal changes on Mars.

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A picture of Utopia Planitia, a large plain on Mars.

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Mars in all its two-toned glory.

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Seasonal dunes on Mars nicknamed ‘Buzzel’.

NASA / JPL/University of Arizona NASA / JPL/University of Arizona / JPL/University of Arizona

Ridges cross the Nepenthes Mensae region, which is often referred to as a river delta for its striking pattern.

NASA / JPL/University of Arizona NASA / JPL/University of Arizona / JPL/University of Arizona

The edges of a debris apron, where cliff material eroded away.

NASA / JPL/University of Arizona NASA / JPL/University of Arizona / JPL/University of Arizona

Alluvial fans are some of the evidence that scientists used to confirm there was once water on Mars.

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A small but recent impact crater.

NASA / JPL/University of Arizona NASA / JPL/University of Arizona / JPL/University of Arizona

Scientists use HiRISE to monitor how gullies change over time, which could help them figure out what created them.

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Exposed bedrock on the Capri Chasma, which may once have been filled with flood waters.

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‘Spiders’ are eruptions of dust caused by the way the Martian surface warms and cools.

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Eos Chasma is part of Valles Marineris, the largest canyon on Mars.

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Another gully scientists are having HiRISE monitor.

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A pedestal crater, where a crater has eroded away at different rates based on different rock types.

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Watching Mars defrost.

NASA / JPL/University of Arizona NASA / JPL/University of Arizona / JPL/University of Arizona

Measuring changes in albedo, or how much light is reflected off the surface.

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A basin floor.

NASA / JPL/University of Arizona NASA / JPL/University of Arizona / JPL/University of Arizona

Another possible landing site for the Mars 2020 mission.

NASA / JPL/University of Arizona NASA / JPL/University of Arizona / JPL/University of Arizona

A sinuous ridge on fretted terrain, which may be evidence of Mars’ glacial past.

NASA / JPL/University of Arizona NASA / JPL/University of Arizona / JPL/University of Arizona

Fractures in Utopia Planitia line up eerily neatly.

NASA / JPL/University of Arizona NASA / JPL/University of Arizona / JPL/University of Arizona

Scientists think these may be pieces of rock blown away by an impact.

NASA / JPL/University of Arizona NASA / JPL/University of Arizona / JPL/University of Arizona

Yardangs, which are sharp ridges scraped away by Mars’ harsh winds.

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Near the North Pole, in an area nicknamed ‘Windy City.’

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- Meghan Bartels

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