Fact Sheet
Phobos
A constant pounding by meteoroids has pulverized the surface of Phobos, the largest moon of Mars, covering it in fine powder at least three feet (one meter) deep, according to recent observations by Mars Global Surveyor. Snapped on August 19 from a distance of 671 miles (1,080 km), this is one of the sharpest images ever of Phobos, showing details as small as 13 feet (4 meters). The crater Stickney, at top left, is about six miles (10 km) across. Global Surveyor is dropping closer to Mars, and should reach its final mapping orbit in February. By then, engineers hope to solve a problem that could prevent them from opening the craft's main antenna, which provides a high-speed communications link with Earth. (JPL)
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