This perspective image, taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board ESA’s Mars Express spacecraft, shows the central part of the 4000-kilometre long Valles Marineris canyon on Mars.

The HRSC obtained this image during during orbits 334 and 360, on 24 April and 2 May 2004 respectively, with a resolution of approximately 21 metres per pixel for the earlier orbit and 30 metres per pixel for the latter.

The perspective view looks northward from an imaginary point above the adjoining highlands into the centre of Valles Marineris. The main Marineris valley, named Melas Chasma (Latin for ‘dark chasm’), is situated nearest to the observer, then Candor Chasma (the ‘pale chasm’) and Ophir Chasma, closest to the horizon. Each valley is approximately 200 kilometres wide and between 5000 and 7000 metres deep.

The image is located between 3º to 13º South, and 284º to 289º East. North is up.