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• The Mars Phoenix Lander landed safely on Mars on Sunday May 25, 2008.

  Two hours after landing, The Phoenix Lander sent back four dozen black and white pictures of the planet's north pole.

  Some photos includes pictures of the horizon of the arctic plain.

  The images reveal a flat and strangely patterned landscape.

  Polygons could be seen which were likely caused by the subsurface ice expanding and contracting repeatedly.

  These polygons give the surface of the planet a "quilt-like" appearance. The surface is characterized by low bumps and shallow dips.

  In one of the images, a bright white object can be seen, but scientist are unaware of what the object could be.

  There is speculation that the white object could be the lander's protective backshell that separated from the Phoenix along with the parachute.

  A high resolution version of the photograph will be carefully looked at to try and determine what it is.

• Fast Facts

  1. Mars Phoenix Lander landed safely on Mars on May 25, 2008
  2. Two hours after landing, four dozen black and white photos sent back
  3. Reveal a quilt like landscape
  4. Landscape characterized by shallow dips and low bumps
  5. White object can be seen in one image

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Water on Mars | Mars Phoenix Lander | Mars | NASA

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