Syrtis Major Planum is a massive shield volcano in the eastern hemisphere of Mars. A "dark spot", Syrtis Major Planum is located in the boundary between the northern lowlands and southern highlands of Mars just west of the impact basin Isidis in the Syrtis Major quadrangle. It was formerly believed to be a plain, and was therefore described as a planitia; later data from the Mars Global Surveyor revealed that it is actually a broad topographic rise. The dark color of Syrtis Major Planum comes from the basaltic volcanic rock of the region and the relative lack of dust.
Mars digital-image mosaic merged with color of the MC-13 quadrangle, Syrtis Major region of Mars.
THEMIS daytime infrared image mosaic of the central area of Syrtis Major; calderas Nili Patera and Meroe Patera are to the upper left and lower right of center, respectively.
The Nili Tholus cinder cone in the Nili Patera caldera on Mars.
Bright Streaks in Syrtis Major caused by the wind, as seen by THEMIS.
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun. The surface of Mars is orange-red because it is covered in iron(III) oxide dust, giving it the nickname "the Red Planet". Mars is among the brightest objects in Earth's sky and its high-contrast albedo features have made it a common subject for telescope viewing. It is classified as a terrestrial planet and is the second smallest of the Solar System's planets with a diameter of 6,779 km (4,212 mi). In terms of orbital motion, a Martian solar day (sol) is equal to 24.5 hours and a Martian solar year is equal to 1.88 Earth years. Mars has two natural satellites that are small and irregular in shape: Phobos and Deimos.
Comparison: Earth and Mars
Curiosity's view of Martian soil and boulders after crossing the "Dingo Gap" sand dune
Valles Marineris, taken by the Viking 1 probe
Edge-on view of Mars atmosphere by Viking 1 probe