This Hubble Space Telescope image reveals two almost opposite sides of Mars at its closest approach to the Earth in nearly 60,000 years.
The text details the planet's visible features, including Olympus Mons, the Hellas impact basin, and the southern polar ice cap.
Included is an inquiry-based classroom activity that focuses on the image and text.
Get a close-up view of Olympus Mons, the Hellas impact basin and more in this Hubble image of Mars at its closest position to the Earth in 60,000 years. View two nearly opposite sides of the planet. Includes a classroom activity.
Teachers can use this lithograph as:
An engagement tool in an inquiry-based lesson. Have students study the image side of the lithograph. Ask them to write down any questions they have about the image. When the students are finished, their questions can be used in a variety of ways:
A content reading tool. Have students read the back of the lithograph and then write a quiz for the class.
A component in a compare/contrast activity. Have students compare the features/structure of terrestrial planets such as Mars, which is depicted in this lithograph and discussed in the text, to those of the giant planets. Use the Jovian Planets lithograph, found in the related resources listed below, as an example. A T-chart or Venn diagram would be a good organizational tool to use for this activity. Examples of Graphic Organizers are included in the related materials below.
HubbleSite press release: "Mars: Closest Encounter"
Star Witness news: The Red Planet: Up Close and Personal
Lithograph: Jovian Planets
Amazing Space resources by type: Graphic Organizers
Amazing Space resources by topic: Solar system