THEMIS Vistas

A CURVING RIM is about the only clue this snow-capped bluff in the Martian Arctic is an old impact crater, full to overflowing with polar debris. Named for a town in Siberia, Udzha (OO-dja) Crater spans about 45 kilometers (28 miles) wide. This view, looking toward the northwest, reveals Udzha surrounded by dark, stratified layers mostly covered with bright deposits of water ice. In a few places, the crater's sharp-edged, rocky rim peeks from under the polar cap's layers. (A 3.4 MB version of the image is available.) Credit: NASA/JPL/Arizona State University, R. Luk (vertical exaggeration about 2x).

To learn more, see the The Snows of Udzha.