How Astronauts Can Explore Mars' Grand Canyon, Valles Marineris
Many Mars exploration circles see Wallace Marineris as a “tell it all” place, ready for human exploration that can uncover the planet’s history and potential to sustain microbial life. However, what is the best way to examine the multidimensional geological evidence at this site? Can the crew of the future Red Planet safely dive into this massive canyon system? And what awaits those who explore the vast area classified as the Grand Canyon of Mars? JM Marineris is a huge advantage. The canyon system cuts through the Martian surface for 2,500 miles (4,000 km), covering about one-fifth of Mars’ circumference. At some points, this vast canyon is 125 miles (200 km) wide. In some places, the bottom of the canyon is 8 km deep. Bottom line: Much deeper than Earth’s Grand Canyon. related: Glaciers on Mars may have helped carve out the ‘Grand Canyon’ on the Red Planet To encourage in situ human studies of Wallace Marineris, several experts have identified and named the area known as the “N