What This Document Is
This document is a laboratory exercise for ASTR 112, Introduction to Astronomy: Lab and Solar System at George Mason University, focused on the geological features found on the planet Mars. It guides students through an exploration of Martian landscapes using online resources to identify and categorize different types of geological activity.
Why This Document Matters
This lab is designed for undergraduate astronomy students learning about planetary geology. It’s used to develop skills in visual identification of geological features from remote sensing data – specifically, images from Google Mars and the HiRISE camera. Understanding Martian geology is crucial for interpreting the planet’s history and potential for past or present life.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This document provides a framework for investigation but does not *provide* the answers. Students are expected to actively research and locate examples of geological features themselves. It also focuses on visual identification; a deeper understanding of the processes *creating* these features requires additional study. This lab focuses on observation and categorization, not in-depth geological analysis.
What This Document Provides
The full document includes:
* Learning goals related to identifying Martian geological features.
* Links to key online resources like Google Mars, THEMIS, HiRISE, and Wikipedia.
* A structured procedure for finding evidence of impact cratering, volcanism, tectonics, and erosion.
* Tables for recording observations, including feature location (latitude/longitude), name (if available), and a brief description.
* Guidance on navigating the provided websites to locate relevant imagery and information.
* This preview does *not* include completed tables, example images, or detailed explanations of Martian geological processes – those are part of the student’s research.
