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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Orbiter Camera
Mars at Ls 121°

These images capture what Mars typically looks like in mid-afternoon at Ls 121°. In other words, with the exception of occasional differences in weather and polar frost patterns, this is what the red planet looks like this month (October 2006).

Presently, it is summer in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere. Ls, solar longitude, is a measure of the time of year on Mars. Mars travels 360° around the Sun in 1 Mars year. The year begins at Ls 0°, the start of northern spring and southern autumn. Northern summer/southern winter begins at Ls 90°, northern autumn/southern spring start at Ls 180°, and northern winter/southern summer begin at Ls 270°.

Source: www.msss.com/mars_images/moc/2006/10/02/

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Although no longer a vibrant and robust planet, Mars still goes thru the motions of one - with ice caps and seasons. Quite sad really. Great shots.

Looks like a mottled orange...