The Intriguing Story Behind the Icy Korolev Crater on Mars
The Korolev crater, found on the surface of Mars, remains filled throughout the year – that’s 668 Martian days or ‘sols’ – with an ice layer nearly 1.8 kilometers thick. The natural mechanism driving this constant state of cold is fascinating.
Spanning 82 kilometers, the crater is situated in the northern lowlands, not far from the Martian north pole. The Korolev crater acts as a natural cold trap. The air above the ice cools and descends, forming a layer of cold air that remains hovering above the ice. Consequently, the ice never warms up and hence does not evaporate.
An Astonishing Snapshot from Space
The space photo of the week, a miraculous capture by the European Mars Express in 2018, beautifully illustrates this phenomenon. It is clearly visible that even certain parts of the crater’s edge are covered with ice. If only the distance between Earth and Mars wasn’t so vast, it would be a magnificent sight to cross-country ski from one crater wall to another in this extraordinary landscape.
For a more immersive visualization, scientists combined this photo of the Korolev crater with a digital terrain model of the crater and its immediate surroundings.
A Stunning and Informative Video by the European Space Agency
The European Space Agency also produced a stunning video, creating an immense feeling that you are gliding over the crater. It’s a truly remarkable experience!
The Legacy of Sergej Koroljov
The crater was named in honor of Sergej Koroljov, a Ukrainian physicist and engineer. After World War II, Koroljov designed ballistic missiles, which established him as one of the key founders of the Soviet space program.
