At Arizona State University's Mars Space Flight Facility, part of ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration, scientists and researchers are using instruments on spacecraft at Mars to explore the geology and mineralogy of the Red Planet. A full-size model of Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity, bedded on reddish-brown Arizona sand, dominates the building's lobby.

The images seen here come from the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) on NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter.