Vastitas Borealis
Vastitas Borealis is the vast northern plain where the Phoenix lander touched water ice on Mars in 2008. Explore the arctic landing site in 3D.
- Location
- 68.2° N, 125.8° W, the Martian arctic
- Landed
- Phoenix, 25 May 2008
- Discovery
- water ice just under the surface
- Landscape
- polygon-patterned frozen ground
Vastitas Borealis is the great northern plain that surrounds the north polar cap of Mars. It is the lowest broad region on the planet, and some scientists think it may once have held an ocean.
The Phoenix lander touched down there on 25 May 2008. When its robotic arm dug into the soil, it uncovered bright white material that slowly disappeared over a few days: water ice turning directly into vapour. It was the first time a spacecraft had touched water ice on Mars. Phoenix also found perchlorate salts in the soil. As the arctic winter came, sunlight faded and the lander fell silent in November 2008.
What to look for
- Polygons. The ground is divided into shapes a few metres across, created by ice expanding and contracting through the seasons.
- Endless flat terrain. Almost nothing breaks the horizon this far north.
Driving Vastitas Borealis in Trawers
The most northern landing site in the game. Switch on the weather to feel the arctic cold. Perfect for players who want somewhere quiet to drive.