Elysium Planitia

Image of the Day explores Mars nomenclature. Elysium Planitia = Planitia: low plain. Elysium: the Elysian fields. The Elysian fields are a paradise where the chosen of the gods reside after death; the heaven of heroes. Elysium Planitia is located south of Elysium Mons, a large volcano. Multiple lava flows are evident in the daytime IR image. There are also small hills and craters of various sizes. Nomenclature Fact of the Day: Names with political, military, or religious significance are not allowed, except for names of political figures prior to the 19th century.