Mars Places #7: Gale Crater
Description:
Gale Crater is a 154 km diameter impact crater near Mars' equator, home to the Curiosity rover since 2012.
Formed 3.5-3.8 billion years ago, its central mound, Aeolis Mons (Mount Sharp), rises 5.5 km with layered sediments recording ancient environmental changes from lakes and rivers. The crater floor shows evidence of past water flows and mineral veins.
How I Got My Name:
Named after Walter Frederick Gale, an Australian amateur astronomer who observed Mars in the late 19th century.
Interesting Fact:
Curiosity's landing site; rover discovered probable organic molecules and signs of habitable conditions in ancient lake beds, climbing Mount Sharp to study billions of years of Martian history, with over 30 km traversed.
Location:
Centered at 5.4° S, 137.8° E, 154 km diameter.
