Olympus Mons

here is a mosaic image of olympus mons, the highest volcano on mars, released today by the esa. the volcano reaches about 28km into mars' atmosphere (mount everest, by comparison, is barely 9km high).

Travel to Mars!!!

well, except not quite. the esa is looking for volunteers for a 520-day simulated mars mission to take place in a special facility in moscow. volunteers will be selected in a similar process to astronauts, except with greater emphasis on psychological strength. basically, all the stress and confinement without actually getting to see the red planet in the end. interested? apply here. read more about the simulated mission here. (image credit: NASA/JPL of course)

Deuteronilus Mensae by Mars Express

the deuteronilus mensae region on mars, captured by esa's mars express.

[sorry about the long absence from posting, the spring quarter is nearing its end, and there is an unbelievable amount of stuff to get done.]