Mist-capped volcanoes of Mars: The amazingly clear images that show how the Red Planet was transformed by meteor impacts - 7th Apr 2011

These stunning images of mist-capped volcanoes on Mars show how the northern hemisphere of the Red Planet was transformed by meteor impacts.

The collisions, which took place long after volcanic activity ceased, deposited ejected material over the lower flanks of the volcanoes, Ceraunius Tholus and the smaller Uranius Tholus.

Permanent and transient features are on display in the images, taken by Mars Express and just released by the European Space Agency (ESA).

Taken from data acquired during three orbits by the probe between 25 November, 2004 and 22 June, 2006, the dead volcanoes were not expected to change in appearance.

But, during the middle orbit, Mars Express captured icy clouds drifting past the summit of Ceraunius Tholus. Read More