Universe Today
[/caption] The HiRISE Camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is keeping an eye on the Phoenix lander, and took the above image of the landing site on Dec. 21, 2008. Phoenix, its heatshield, parachute and backshell are still visible on the Martian arctic plains, providing evidence that the spacecraft hasn't been covered with ice as of yet. Via the HiRISE Blog, scientists say the conditions are hazy and dark because
northern winter
summer is turning to autumn on Mars. They will keep imaging the site as long as there is enough light to see the lander. Compare this image to previous photos of the Phoenix site, below.
[caption id="attachment_23015" align="aligncenter" width="580" caption="Phoenix and accoutrements from May 2008. Credit: NASA/JPL/UA"]
[/caption]
This color image was taken just after Phoenix landed in late May 2008. Insets show the backshell, parachute and heatshield.
[caption id="attachment_23028" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Phoenix site July 08. Credit: NASA/JPL/UA"]
[/caption] In these images, top one taken in July of 2008, and bottom taken in October 2008, you can compare the lighting conditions between late summer and early fall, and now winter (first image) in the northern arctic regions on Mars. [caption id="attachment_23031" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Phoenix September 08. Credit: NASA/JPL/UA"]
[/caption] Source: HiRISE Blog,
HiRISE site