HiRISE | HiPOD Updates

HiPOD: 12–16 October 2026

	Layers in Nili Fossae These beautiful false color cutouts feature a series of layers in Nili Fossae, a scene also visible in Context Camera data. Nili Fossae has often been on the list for potential landing sites for robotic exploration, and will likely continue to be so given its rich landscape of mineral diversity.
	A Canyon Wall in Coprates Chasma The walls here potentially expose pristine crustal material. This is an area of interest that could be accessed and is within potential future rotorcraft mission traverse. This image footprint is in eastern Coprates Chasma, a major trough in the Valles Marineris canyon system. The chasma stretches for 960 km (600 miles) from Melas Chasma to the west and Capri Chasma to the east.
	Light Layers, Dark Land The objective of this observation is to examine a light-toned layer that is at the base of a low mesa-like feature. This scene, also visible in wider Context Camera images, is to the north of Hadrica Patera, itself located to the northeast of the Hellas Planitia impact basin in the Southern Hemisphere of Mars.
	Sourcing the Dark Sands of Nili Fossae Nili Fossae has been a favorite target of HiRISE since its arrival at Mars in 2006, for many reasons, including the dramatic shape of the giant trough network and its diverse geologic materials.
	Ancient Clays near the Hellas Basin Ancient clay-rich sediments are on wonderful display in this image near the giant Hellas impact basin on Mars.