This image is long and narrow, containing only data from the center six detectors of HiRISE which provide three-color coverage.

This strip passes over the candidate landing site for the Curiosity (MSL) rover. This is one of the most colorful regions of Mars, colored by clays and other altered minerals, like the Painted Desert in Arizona.

The origin of these deposits on Mars is not understood, so MSL would have plenty to be curious about if it lands here.

Written by: Alfred McEwen   (19 January 2011)

More info and image formats at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_020798_2040

Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona