This stunning enhanced color mosaic was captured by the Multispectral Imager on NASA’s Psyche mission during its exploration of Mars on May 15, 2026. The mosaic is composed of four distinct images, showcasing the intricate landscape of Mars.
Taking just six minutes to capture, the Psyche spacecraft was moving from the northeast to the southwest of Mars. The pixel-scale resolution ranges from 381 meters per pixel on the right side of the mosaic to 440 meters per pixel on the left. Utilizing advanced near-infrared, green, and blue filters, the imager reveals high-contrast craters, ridges, wind streaks, and volcanic plains on the Martian surface.
This mosaic covers a portion of the Iapygia region in Mars’ rugged southern highlands, spanning from approximately 62°E to 78°E and 4°N to 14°S. The prominent crater located near the center is Fournier, which has an impressive diameter of 71 miles (114 kilometers). To the left of the center, you can see a linear feature that is part of the long, irregular scarp system known as Oenotoria Scopuli. This feature is associated with the extensive circular structure of the large Isidis impact basin located to the northeast.
Discover more about NASA’s groundbreaking Psyche mission and its objectives below.
Source: science.nasa.gov