Rutherford (Martian crater)
Rutherford is an impact crater on Mars. It is located the Oxia Palus quadrangle inside Arabia Terra at 19.2° N and 10.7° W. and measures approximately 107 kilometers in diameter. The crater was named after British physicist Ernest Rutherford in 1973.[1]
 Topographic location of Rutherford Crater | |
| Planet | Mars |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 19.2°N 10.7°W |
| Quadrangle | Oxia Palus quadrangle |
| Diameter | 107.08 km |
| Eponym | Ernest Rutherford |
Description
Some close up images of the crater show dunes and light-toned material. Light-toned rocks on Mars have been associated with hydrated minerals like sulfates. The Mars Rover Opportunity examined such layers close-up with several instruments. Scientists are excited about finding hydrated minerals such as sulfates and clays on Mars because they are usually formed in the presence of water.[2] Places that contain clays and/or other hydrated minerals would be good places to look for evidence of life.[3]
Gallery
Western side of Rutherford Crater, as seen by CTX camera (on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter). Light-toned deposits are visible.
Dunes on floor of Rutherford Crater, as seen by CTX camera (on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter). Note: this is an enlargement of the previous image.
Image of the Oxia Palus quadrangle (MC-11) where Rutherford is located.
See also
References
- "Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature | Rutherford". usgs.gov. International Astronomical Union. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- "Target Zone: Nilosyrtis? | Mars Odyssey Mission THEMIS". Themis.asu.edu. Retrieved 2012-08-04.
- "HiRISE | Craters and Valleys in the Elysium Fossae (PSP_004046_2080)". Hirise.lpl.arizona.edu. Retrieved 2012-08-04.