Meridiani Planum

Meridiani Planum or Terra Meridiani (the middle level) is a broad plateau ( subgrade ) on the planet Mars.

Since Meridiani Planum in the telescope is a conspicuous dark structure in the height of the Martian equator, it was chosen as the reference point for latitude and scale of the planet. Therefore, the zero meridian runs through Meridiani Planum.

In spectroscopic studies of Mars orbit hematite were found in the level of the mineral deposits. They chose, therefore, as a landing site for a Mars mission. Hematite forms on Earth in hot springs or stagnant waters. In addition, can be found in Meridiani Planum volcanic basalts and impact craters.

On January 25, 2004, the spacecraft Opportunity landed in a small crater (Eagle Crater ) in the Meridiani Planum. In the area of the landing site sedimentary structures are visible. Highly magnified images show mineral concretions of hematite and cavities in rocks that were apparently formed by liquid water. The rocks are rich in magnesium sulfates and other sulfates such as jarosite.

The results of the Opportunity mission to point out that in the area of ​​Meridiani Planum in the past liquid water was present over longer periods.

Geology of Meridiani level

This map shows the geological structures in the region of Meridiani plane, which was explored by the Mars Rover Opportunity since 2004.

The southern blue -shaded region here is an old and cratered landscape. The northern region is overlain by younger sediments of the Meridiani plain, broken only by the even younger Bopolu - impact craters.

To the crater Endeavour around also comes old and verkraterter floor to light. Observations from Mars orbit have discovered there and at two other locations phyllosilicates. The presence of these silicates is set with the former presence of water in relationship.