More than 3000,<> observations

A photographic map of Mars based on Hope Probe data

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has announced that a team led by Dr. Dimitra Attri, an astronomer and researcher at the University's Space Science Center, has mapped Mars using exclusive images taken by the Digital Exploration Camera (EXI).

The camera is an advanced imaging system as part of the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), the Hope Probe, which is currently orbiting the Red Planet.

The photographic map shows entirely new images of Mars, which is a testament to the UAE's tremendous progress in science and a great incentive to attract young Emiratis to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines in the country.

The map is the result of more than 3000,<> observations from the rover's digital exploration camera, where the team created the color map by collecting thousands of images over the course of one Martian year, equivalent to two Earth years.

The map shows areas and features of Mars that highlight its main topography with exceptional precision, including polar ice peaks, mountains, volcanoes, the remains of dry rivers, lakes, valleys, and meteorite impact craters.

"We intend to make the map accessible to everyone around the world, as part of a newer and more advanced version of the Martian Atlas, which we plan to publish in both Arabic and English, and we hope that this will give researchers and students a useful tool to deepen their knowledge about Mars, confirming the potential of the space sector in the country," said Dimitra Atrey.

He added: "The map of Mars, when completed, represents an additional step in achieving the goal of the Emirates Mars Mission to provide a comprehensive visualization of the planet's climate, and more than 30 spacecraft have been able to provide a glimpse of the Martian climate, but the mission of the Hope Probe includes tracking seasonal changes throughout the Martian year, and the probe helps global researchers to create these comprehensive images of the planet thanks to its strategic location, as it orbits the planet with an elliptical path that allows it to observe from a much further distance compared to vehicles. The other is providing researchers with comprehensive images of the planet."

The team created the color map, by collecting thousands of images over the course of a single Martian year.

• The map is a further step in achieving the Emirates Mars Mission goal.