Nighttime Wind Streaks (Released 9 December 2004)

The majority of craters in this nighttime IR image appearas bright (warm) rings surrounding dark (cooler) centers.The dark "tails" of the craters are windstreaks. The craterrims are providing a wind-shadow, protecting the dust/fineson the downwind side of the crater. The wind has removedthe dust cover from the surroundings, revealing the rockier/warmer surface. These craters are located in Syrtis Major.