The Week in SpaceMay 11-17, 2009
Circumpolar Sea of Sand Much like the polar caps of Earth, which are surrounded by oceans, the north pole of Mars is surrounded by a sea of sand. This image, taken by the Mars Odyssey spacecraft, shows an ocean of dark sand dunes, covered in carbon dioxide frost, and sculpted by wind into long lines. The large sand deposits and the high speed winds that circulate around the pole allow for the formation of a huge dune field that surrounds the north polar cap. As the northern hemisphere progresses towards winter, carbon dioxide frost condenses out of the atmosphere and covers the dunes. During northern spring, the carbon dioxide sublimates and the dunes are once again uncovered and active. In this false-color image, cooler areas are in bluer tints, while warmer features are orange and yellow. Image credit: NASA/JPL/ASU Weekly CalendarMay 11-17, 2009Holidays - Sky Events - Space History
1974: SMS-1 launched, first geostationary weather satellite |
Customer Comment
Steve, thanks a million for being so prompt in your reply. I use the "Year in Space" book daily, and I am looking forward to getting my new book. I often look at my used books to find out information on something I entered in the book. I use it as a sort of diary and a list of upcoming appointments. Besides that it looks cool on my desk. LOL. Thanks again, Steve--Paul P., Fair Oaks, CA
Monday 11 
Tuesday 12 
Wednesday 13 
Thursday 14 
Friday 15 
Saturday 16 
Sunday 17 
Suggestions for new history dates or better links? Corrections for errors on this page? Please e-mail me.