The Martian Moon Phobos

Image Title: The Martian Moon Phobos
Release Date: December 4, 2005
Source: Mars Global Surveyor

Description

This picture of the Martian moon Phobos shows an object whose surface has been bombarded by solar system debris over the course of its life. The series of straight lines that run from the upper left to the center of the moon are striations. These striations are thought to be fractures created by the event that formed Stickney Crater. Stickney Crater is about 10 kilometers in diameter. The average diameter of Phobos is only 22 kilometers. Phobos is too small for gravity to form it into a sphere. Phobos is actually somewhat potato shaped measuring 27 by 22 by 18 kilometers in diameter.

Source Image Background

The source image of Phobos was acquired by the Mars Global Surveyor Narrow Angle Camera in June 2003.

Image Processing

Adobe Photoshop was used to create this false color image. In addition to noise removal, contrast enhancement, and the application of a subtle false color, additional manipulations were performed to enhance the surface texture of the moon.

Downloads

I have created a low resolution, compressed version of "The Martian Moon Phobos" for use as a desktop wallpaper. This wallpaper is made available for your personal use only. It is not to be modified or redistributed in any form by any means. All rights are retained by the artist.

The Martian Moon Phobos, 1280 X 1024 Wallpaper Image by Jim Plaxco