NASA · Space

Stickney Crater on Phobos

An enhanced-color image showcases Stickney Crater, the largest crater on Mars' moon Phobos, named after Chloe Angeline Stickney Hall.

The crater, over 9 kilometers wide, is nearly half the diameter of Phobos itself. The impact that created Stickney may have nearly shattered the small moon.

The image was captured by the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in March 2008. Streaks on the crater walls suggest loose material has slid down over time, despite Phobos's extremely low surface gravity.

Light bluish areas near the crater's rim might indicate recently exposed surfaces. The origin of mysterious grooves on Phobos's surface is unknown but could be linked to tidal stresses or the impact event.

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