# Gale (crater)

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Martian crater

Not to be confused with [Galle (Martian crater)](/source/Galle_(Martian_crater)).

Crater on Mars

Gale Mount Sharp rises from the middle of the crater - the green dot marks Bradbury Landing, the Curiosity rover landing site in Aeolis Palus (click the image to expand, the dot is barely visible at this scale.) North is down in this image. Planet Mars Coordinates 5°24′S 137°48′E / 5.4°S 137.8°E / -5.4; 137.8 Quadrangle Aeolis Diameter 154 km (96 mi)[1] Eponym Walter Frederick Gale

**Gale** is a [crater](/source/Impact_crater), and probable [dry lake](/source/Dry_lake), at [5°24′S 137°48′E / 5.4°S 137.8°E / -5.4; 137.8](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Gale_(crater)&params=5.4_S_137.8_E_globe:Mars) in the northwestern part of the [Aeolis quadrangle](/source/Aeolis_quadrangle) on [Mars](/source/Mars).[2] It is 154 km (96 mi) in diameter[1] and estimated to be about 3.5–3.8 billion years old.[3] The crater was named after [Walter Frederick Gale](/source/Walter_Frederick_Gale), an [amateur astronomer](/source/Amateur_astronomer) from [Sydney](/source/Sydney), Australia, who observed Mars in the late 19th century.[4] [Aeolis Mons](/source/Aeolis_Mons), also known as Mount Sharp, is a mountain in the center of Gale and rises 5.5 km (18,000 ft) high.[5][6] [Aeolis Palus](/source/Aeolis_Palus) is the plain between the northern wall of Gale and the northern foothills of Aeolis Mons.[5][6] [Peace Vallis](/source/Peace_Vallis),[7] a nearby [outflow channel](/source/Outflow_channel), 'flows' down from the hills to the Aeolis Palus below and seems to have been carved by flowing [water](/source/Water_on_Mars).[8][9][10] Several lines of evidence suggest that a lake existed inside Gale shortly after the formation of the crater.[11]

The NASA [Mars rover](/source/Mars_rover) [*Curiosity*](/source/Curiosity_rover), of the [Mars Science Laboratory (MSL)](/source/Mars_Science_Laboratory) mission, landed in "Yellowknife" *Quad 51*[12][13][14][15] of [Aeolis Palus](/source/Aeolis_Palus) in Gale at 05:32 UTC August 6, 2012.[16] NASA named the landing location [Bradbury Landing](/source/Bradbury_Landing) on August 22, 2012.[17] *Curiosity* is exploring Aeolis Mons and surrounding areas.[*[when?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items)*]

## Description

Colorized shaded relief map of the crater Gale. The general landing area for *Curiosity* on the northwestern crater floor, named [Aeolis Palus](/source/Aeolis_Palus), is circled. (HRSC data)

Gale, named for [Walter F. Gale](/source/Walter_Frederick_Gale) (1865–1945), an amateur astronomer from Australia, spans 154 km (96 mi) in diameter and holds a mountain, Aeolis Mons (informally named "Mount Sharp" to pay tribute to geologist [Robert P. Sharp](/source/Robert_P._Sharp)) rising 18,000 ft (5,500 m) from the crater floor, higher than [Mount Rainier](/source/Mount_Rainier) rises above Seattle. Gale is roughly the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island.

The crater formed when an [asteroid](/source/Asteroid) or [comet](/source/Comet) hit Mars in its early history, about 3.5 to 3.8 billion years ago. The [impactor](/source/Impact_event) punched a hole in the terrain, and the subsequent explosion ejected rocks and soil that landed around the crater. Layering in the central mound (Aeolis Mons) suggests it is the surviving remnant of an extensive sequence of deposits. Some scientists believe the crater filled in with sediments and, over time, the relentless Martian winds carved Aeolis Mons, which today rises about 5.5 km (3.4 mi) above the floor of Gale—three times higher than the Grand Canyon is deep.[18]

At 10:32 p.m. PDT on August 5, 2012 (1:32 a.m. EDT on August 6, 2012), the Mars Science Laboratory rover *Curiosity* landed on Mars at [4°30′S 137°24′E / 4.5°S 137.4°E / -4.5; 137.4](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Gale_(crater)&params=4.5_S_137.4_E_globe:Mars), at the foot of the layered mountain inside Gale. *Curiosity* landed within a landing ellipse approximately 7 km (4.3 mi) by 20 km (12 mi). The landing ellipse is about 4,400 m (14,400 ft) below Martian "sea level" (defined as the average elevation around the equator). The expected near-surface atmospheric temperatures at the landing site during *Curiosity*'s primary mission (1 Martian year or 687 Earth days) are from −90 to 0 °C (−130 to 32 °F).

Scientists chose Gale as the landing site for *Curiosity* because it has many signs that water was present over its history. The crater's geology is notable for containing both clays and sulfate minerals, which form in water under different conditions and may also preserve signs of past life. The history of water at Gale, as recorded in its rocks, is giving *Curiosity* many clues to study as it pieces together whether Mars ever could have been a habitat for microbes. Gale contains a number of fans and deltas that provide information about lake levels in the past, including: Pancake Delta, Western Delta, Farah Vallis delta and the Peace Vallis Fan.[19]

## Geology

Orbital [THEMIS](/source/Thermal_Emission_Imaging_System) and topography data, plus visible and [near-infrared](/source/Near-infrared) images, were used to make a [geological map](/source/Geological_map) of the crater. [CRISM](/source/Compact_Reconnaissance_Imaging_Spectrometer_for_Mars) data indicated the lower [bench unit](/source/Bench_(geology)) was composed of interstratified [clay](/source/Clay) and [sulfates](/source/Sulfate). Curiosity explored the stratigraphy of the crater consisting of the Bradbury [Group](/source/Group_(geology)) and the overlying Mount Sharp Group. [Formations](/source/Formation_(geology)) within the Bradbury Group include the Yellowknife and Kimberley, while the Murray Formation is at the base of the Mount Sharp Group. The Bradbury Group consists of [fluvial](/source/Fluvial) [conglomerates](/source/Conglomerate_(geology)), [cross-bedded](/source/Cross_bedding) [sandstones](/source/Sandstone), and [mudstones](/source/Mudstone) reflecting a [basaltic](/source/Basaltic) [provenance](/source/Provenance_(geology)). Sandstone clinoforms indicate [deltaic deposits](/source/Deltaic_deposit). The Murray Formation is a laminated mudstone overlain by a cross-bedded or clinoform sandstone, though in places the base is a conglomerate. Thus, the formation is interpreted to have been deposited in a [lacustrine](/source/Lacustrine) environment adjacent to a fluvial-deltaic one. The Murray Formation is overlain by clay and sulfate-bearing strata.[20]

An unusual feature of Gale is an enormous mound of "sedimentary debris"[21] around its central peak, officially named [Aeolis Mons](/source/Aeolis_Mons)[5][6] (popularly known as "Mount Sharp"[22][23]) rising 5.5 km (18,000 ft) above the northern crater floor and 4.5 km (15,000 ft) above the southern crater floor—slightly taller than the southern rim of the crater itself. The mound is composed of layered material and may have been laid down over a period of around 2 billion years.[3] The origin of this mound is not known with certainty, but research suggests it is the eroded remnant of sedimentary layers that once filled the crater completely, possibly originally deposited on a lakebed.[3] Evidence of fluvial activity was observed early on in the mission at the Shaler outcrop (first observed on Sol 120, investigated extensively between Sols 309-324).[24] Observations made by the rover *Curiosity* at the Pahrump Hills strongly support the lake hypothesis: sedimentary [facies](/source/Facies) including sub mm-scale horizontally-laminated mudstones, with interbedded fluvial [crossbeds](/source/Cross-bedding) are representative of sediments which accumulate in lakes, or on the margins of lakes which grow and contract in response to lake-level.[25][26] These lake-bed mudstones are referred to as the [Murray Formation](/source/Murray_Formation), and form a significant amount of the Mount Sharp group. The Siccar Point group (named after the famous unconformity at [Siccar Point](/source/Siccar_Point)) overlies the Mount Sharp group,[27] and the two units are separated by a major [unconformity](/source/Unconformity) which dips toward the North.[28] At present, the Stimson formation is the only stratigraphic unit within the Siccar Point group which has been investigated in-detail by *Curiosity*. The Stimson formation represents the preserved expression of a dry [aeolian](/source/Aeolian_processes) [dune field](/source/Dune_field), where sediment was transported towards the north, or northeast by palaeowinds within the crater.[29][30] In the Emerson plateau area (from Marias Pass, to East Glacier), the outcrops are characterised predominantly by simple cross-sets, deposited by simple sinuous-crested dunes, with heights up to ~10 m.[29] To the south, at the Murray buttes, the outcrop are characterised by compound cross-sets, with a hierarchy of bounding surfaces migration of small dunes superimposed on the lee-slope of a large dune known as a "[draa](/source/Draa_(landform))".[30] These [draas](/source/Draa_(landform)) have estimates heights of ~40 m, and migrated toward the north, while superimposed dunes migrated toward the east-northeast.[30] Further to the south, at the Greenheugh pediment, compound and simple cross-sets consistent with aeolian depositional processes have been observed in the pediment capping unit.[31] Observations made during the ascent of the Greenheugh pediment between Sols 2665-2734 demonstrated that the pediment capping unit has sedimentary textures, facies and architecture that are consistent with the rest of the Stimson formation.[32] Furthermore, analysis of sedimentary facies and architecture provided evidence which indicates fluctuating wind directions, from a seasonal temporal scale - recorded by interstratified windripple and avalanche strata, through to millennial time scales recorded by reversal of the sediment transport direction.[33] These wind reversals suggest variable and changeable atmospheric circulation during this time.

Observations of possible cross-bedded strata on the upper mound suggest [aeolian processes](/source/Aeolian_processes), but the origin of the lower mound layers remains ambiguous.[34]

In February 2019, NASA scientists [reported](/source/Timeline_of_Mars_Science_Laboratory#2019_events) that the [Mars *Curiosity* rover](/source/Curiosity_(rover)) had determined, for the first time, the [density](/source/Density) of [Mount Sharp](/source/Mount_Sharp) in Gale, thereby establishing a clearer understanding of how the mountain was formed.[35][36]

Gale is located at about [5°24′S 137°48′E / 5.4°S 137.8°E / -5.4; 137.8](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Gale_(crater)&params=5.4_S_137.8_E_globe:Mars) on Mars.[37]

## Spacecraft exploration

See also: [Timeline of Mars Science Laboratory](/source/Timeline_of_Mars_Science_Laboratory)

[*Curiosity*'s](/source/Curiosity_(rover)) view of the interior of Gale from the slopes (at 327 m (1,073 ft) elevation) of [Mount Sharp](/source/Mount_Sharp) ([video (1:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5nrrnAukwI)) (October 25, 2017)

Numerous channels eroded into the flanks of the crater's central mound could give access to the layers for study.[3] Gale is the landing site of the *[Curiosity](/source/Curiosity_(rover))* rover, delivered by the [Mars Science Laboratory](/source/Mars_Science_Laboratory) spacecraft,[38] which was launched November 26, 2011 and landed on Mars inside the crater Gale on the plains of [Aeolis Palus](/source/Aeolis_Palus)[39] on August 6, 2012.[40][41][42][43] Gale was previously a candidate landing site for the 2003 [Mars Exploration Rover](/source/Mars_Exploration_Rover) mission, and has been one of four prospective sites for [ESA](/source/ESA)'s [ExoMars](/source/ExoMars).[44]

In December 2012, scientists working on the Mars Science Laboratory mission announced that an extensive [soil analysis](/source/Soil_analysis) of [Martian soil](/source/Martian_soil) performed by *Curiosity* showed evidence of [water molecules](/source/Water_on_Mars), [sulphur](/source/Sulphur) and [chlorine](/source/Chlorine), as well as hints of [organic compounds](/source/Organic_compounds).[45][46][47] However, [terrestrial](/source/Earth) contamination, as the source of the organic compounds, could not be ruled out.

On September 26, 2013, NASA scientists reported that *Curiosity* detected "abundant, easily accessible" [water](/source/Water_on_Mars) (1.5 to 3 weight percent) in [soil samples](/source/Martian_soil) at the [Rocknest region](/source/Rocknest_(Mars)) of [Aeolis Palus](/source/Aeolis_Palus) in Gale.[48][49][50][51][52][53] In addition, the rover found two principal soil types: a fine-grained [mafic type](/source/Mafic) and a locally derived, coarse-grained [felsic type](/source/Felsic).[50][52][54] The mafic type, similar to other [martian soils](/source/Martian_soil) and [martian dust](/source/Martian_dust), was associated with hydration of the amorphous phases of the soil.[54] Also, [perchlorates](/source/Perchlorates), the presence of which may make detection of life-related [organic molecules](/source/Organic_molecule) difficult, were found at the *Curiosity* landing site (and earlier at the more polar site of the [Phoenix lander](/source/Phoenix_(spacecraft))) suggesting a "global distribution of these salts".[53] NASA also reported that [Jake M rock](/source/Jake_M_(rock)), a rock encountered by *Curiosity* on the way to [Glenelg](/source/Glenelg%2C_Mars), was a [mugearite](/source/Mugearite) and very similar to terrestrial mugearite rocks.[55]

On December 9, 2013, NASA reported that, based on evidence from *Curiosity* studying Aeolis Palus, Gale contained an ancient [freshwater lake](/source/Freshwater_lake) which could have been a hospitable environment for [microbial life](/source/Microbial_life).[56][57]

On December 16, 2014, NASA reported detecting, by the *Curiosity* rover at Gale, an unusual increase, then decrease, in the amounts of [methane](/source/Methane) in the [atmosphere](/source/Atmosphere_of_Mars) of the planet [Mars](/source/Mars); in addition, [organic chemicals](/source/Organic_chemical) were detected in powder drilled from a [rock](/source/List_of_rocks_on_Mars). Also, based on [deuterium](/source/Deuterium) to [hydrogen](/source/Hydrogen) ratio studies, much of the [water](/source/Water_on_Mars) at Gale on Mars was found to have been lost during ancient times, before the lakebed in the crater was formed; afterwards, large amounts of water continued to be lost.[58][59][60]

On October 8, 2015, NASA confirmed that lakes and streams existed in Gale 3.3 to 3.8 billion years ago delivering sediments to build up the lower layers of [Mount Sharp](/source/Mount_Sharp).[61][62]

On June 1, 2017, NASA reported that the *Curiosity* rover provided evidence of an ancient lake in Gale on [Mars](/source/Mars) that could have been favorable for [microbial life](/source/Microorganism); the ancient lake was [stratified](/source/Lake_stratification), with shallows rich in [oxidants](/source/Oxidizing_agent) and depths poor in oxidants; and, the ancient lake provided many different types of microbe-friendly environments at the same time. NASA further reported that the *Curiosity* rover will continue to explore higher and younger layers of [Mount Sharp](/source/Mount_Sharp) in order to determine how the lake environment in ancient times on Mars became the drier environment in more modern times.[63][64][65]

On August 5, 2017, NASA celebrated the fifth anniversary of the *Curiosity* rover mission landing, and related exploratory accomplishments, on the planet [Mars](/source/Mars).[66][67] (Videos: [*Curiosity*'s First Five Years (02:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxvODcuFb1s); [*Curiosity*'s POV: Five Years Driving (05:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0nPFaBU98k); [*Curiosity*'s Discoveries About Gale Crater (02:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-uAz82sH-E))

On June 7, 2018, [NASA](/source/NASA)'s *Curiosity* made two significant discoveries in Gale. [Organic molecules](/source/Organic_molecule) preserved in 3.5 billion-year-old bedrock and seasonal variations in the level of [methane](/source/Methane) in the atmosphere further support the theory that past conditions may have been conducive to life.[68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75] It is possible that a form of water-rock chemistry might have generated the methane, but scientists cannot rule out the possibility of biological origins. Methane previously had been detected in Mars's atmosphere in large, unpredictable plumes. This new result shows that low levels of methane within Gale repeatedly peak in warm, summer months and drop in the winter every year. Organic carbon concentrations were discovered on the order of 10 parts per million or more. This is close to the amount observed in Martian meteorites and about 100 times greater than prior analysis of organic carbon on Mars's surface. Some of the molecules identified include thiophenes, benzene, toluene, and small carbon chains, such as propane or butene.[68]

On November 4, 2018, geologists presented evidence, based on studies in Gale by the *Curiosity* rover, that there was plenty of [water](/source/Water_on_Mars) on early [Mars](/source/Mars).[76][77] In January 2020, researchers have found certain minerals, made of carbon and oxygen, in rocks at Gale, which may have formed in an ice-covered lake during a cold stage between warmer periods, or after Mars lost most of its atmosphere and became permanently cold.[78]

On November 5, 2020, researchers concluded based on data observed by *Curiosity* rover that Gale experienced megafloods which occurred around 4 billion years ago, taking into consideration [antidunes](/source/Antidunes) reaching the height of 10 meters (33 ft), which were formed by flood waters at least 24 meters (79 ft) deep with a velocity of 10 meters per second (22 mph).[79]

Research published in August, 2023 found evidence that liquid water may have existed over thousands to millions of years and not just when an impact or volcano erupted. Shapes in a field of hexagonal ridges revealed that water appeared and then went away many times. The water did not just result from ground ice melting from something like an asteroid impact. To make these ridges many cycles of water saturating the surface and then drying were required. Chemicals were deposited by mineral-rich fluids in cracks. The minerals hardened such that they were harder than the rock around them. Later, when erosion took place, ridges were exposed.

		- Mudcracks as seen by *Curiosity* in Gale. Shapes imply that water saturated the area and dried out many times; hence, the existence of water was not just a one-time, short-lived event.

This discovery is significant. Much evidence exists to show that impacts and volcanic activity could melt ground ice to make liquid water. However, that water may not last long enough for life to develop. This new finding shows here it is not the case–water stayed for some time. Also, with water coming and going on a regular pace, there is a better chance of more complex organic compounds being produced. As water evaporates chemicals are concentrated and have a better chance of combining. For example when amino acids are concentrated they are more likely to link up to form proteins.[80][81]

*Curiosity* found features that computer simulations show could be caused by past streams. They have been called benches and noses. The "noses" stick out like noses. Computer simulations show that these shapes can be produced by rivers.[82][83]

In July 2024 the Rover cracked open a rock with its wheel and found crystals of [sulfur](/source/Sulfur). Minerals containing sulfur were discovered, but never the pure element. It was found in Gediz Vallis.[84]

Research published in February 2025 described wave ripples in Gale that show that liquid water flowed there. The ripples were found in two different time periods. Calculations based on their shape and sizes revealed that they were formed in shallow moving water. The water could have been as deep as 2 meters. Before this study, it was thought that any exposed body of water would quickly develop a sheet of ice at the top.[85][86]

The first organic molecules found in Gale crater were simple aromatic, S-heterocycles, and aliphatic organic molecules. In research done by a very large group of scientists, over 20 organic molecules from clay-bearing sandstones were described. They were discovered in the ~3.5-billion-year-old Knockfarrill Hill member of Glen Torridon, Gale crater, by the Sample Analysis at Mars instrument suite onboard the Curiosity rover. It can’t be determined how these molecules were made. They could be exogenous (e.g., meteoritic, cometary, or interplanetary dust particles) or endogenous (e.g., abiotically or biologically produced). [87] [88] [89]

## Images

		- Mars between day and night, with an area containing Gale crater, beginning to catch the morning light

		- Maps of Mars - old and new - Gale is noted in the middle of the image

		- Map of actual (and proposed) rover landing sites including Gale

		- Map of [Elysium Planitia](/source/Elysium_Planitia) - Gale is in the lower left - [Aeolis Mons](/source/Aeolis_Mons) is in the middle of the crater

		- Map of [Aeolis quadrangle](/source/Aeolis_quadrangle) - Gale is in the upper left - Aeolis Mons is in the middle of the crater

		- Gale crater - surface materials (false colors; [THEMIS](/source/Thermal_Emission_Imaging_System); [2001 Mars Odyssey](/source/2001_Mars_Odyssey))

		- Gale crater landing site is within [Aeolis Palus](/source/Aeolis_Palus) near Aeolis Mons - north is down.

		- Ancient Lake fills Gale Crater on Mars (simulated view).

		- Estimated size of ancient lake on [Aeolis Palus](/source/Aeolis_Palus) in Gale[56][57]

		- [Peace Vallis](/source/Peace_Vallis) and [alluvial fan](/source/Alluvial_fan) near the [*Curiosity* rover](/source/Curiosity_(rover)) landing ellipse and site (noted by +)

		- Gale crater - landing site is noted - also, [alluvial fan](/source/Alluvial_fan) (blue) and [sediment layers](/source/Sediment) in Aeolis Mons (cutaway)

		- Gale crater - [topographic](/source/Topographic_map) and [gravity field](/source/Gravity_field) maps - landing site is noted - [Mars gravity model 2011](https://web.archive.org/web/20130410022448/http://geodesy.curtin.edu.au/research/models/mgm2011/)

		- [Aeolis Mons](/source/Aeolis_Mons) may have formed from the erosion of [sediment layers](/source/Sediment) that once filled Gale.

		- Gale [sediment layers](/source/Sediment) may have formed by lake or windblown particle deposition.

		- Gale's "[Grand Canyon](/source/Grand_Canyon)", as seen by [HiRISE](/source/HiRISE) - scale bar is 500 meters long

		- *Curiosity* landing site (green dot) - blue dot marks "[Glenelg Intrigue](/source/Glenelg%2C_Mars)" - blue spot marks base of Aeolis Mons - a planned area of study

		- *Curiosity* landing site - "[quad map](/source/Quadrangle_(geography))" includes "Yellowknife" *Quad 51* of [Aeolis Palus](/source/Aeolis_Palus) in Gale crater

		- *Curiosity* landing site - "Yellowknife" *Quad 51* (1-mi-by-1-mi) of Aeolis Palus in Gale

		- [MSL](/source/Mars_Science_Laboratory) [debris field](/source/Space_debris) viewed by [HiRISE](/source/HiRISE) on August 17, 2012 - parachute is 615 m (2,018 ft) from the [rover](/source/Curiosity_Rover)[90] (3-D: [rover](https://web.archive.org/web/20130512005245/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/images/Rover3D-pia16208-br2.jpg) and [parachute](https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012939/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/images/Parachute3D-pia16209-br2.jpg))

		- *Curiosity* landing site ("[Bradbury Landing](/source/Bradbury_Landing)") viewed by [HiRISE](/source/HiRISE) ([MRO](/source/Mars_Reconnaissance_Orbiter)) (August 14, 2012)

		- First-year and first-mile [traverse map](https://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/mission/whereistherovernow/) of *Curiosity* on Mars (August 1, 2013) ([3-D](https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/jpeg/PIA16210.jpg))

		- Sunset - [Gale crater](/source/Gale_crater) (April 15, 2015)

		- Sunset (animated) - Gale crater (April 15, 2015)

## Surface images

		- [Aeolis Palus](/source/Aeolis_Palus) and [Aeolis Mons](/source/Aeolis_Mons) in Gale as viewed by *[Curiosity](/source/Curiosity_(rover))* (August 6, 2012)

		- The rim and floor of Gale as viewed by *Curiosity* (August 9, 2012)

		- Gale rim about 18 km (11 mi) north of *Curiosity* (August 9, 2012)

		- Layers at the base of Aeolis Mons - dark rock in inset is same size as *Curiosity* ([white balanced image](/source/Color_balance))

		- Aeolis Mons in Gale as viewed by *Curiosity* (August 9, 2012) ([white balanced image](/source/Color_balance))

		- [Wheels](/source/Curiosity_rover#Specifications) on *Curiosity* - Aeolis Mons is in the background ([MAHLI](/source/Curiosity_rover#Mars_Hand_Lens_Imager_.28MAHLI.29), September 9, 2012).

		- *"[Rocknest](/source/Rocknest_(Mars))"* [sand patch](/source/Sand) in Gale - between "[Bradbury Landing](/source/Bradbury_Landing)" and [Glenelg](/source/Glenelg%2C_Mars) (September 28, 2012)

		- Ripple-marked sandstone offers evidence of an ancient sandstorm—and a thicker ancient Martian atmosphere

Evidence of [water on Mars](/source/Water_on_Mars) in the crater Gale[8][9][10]

[Peace Vallis](/source/Peace_Vallis) and related [alluvial fan](/source/Alluvial_fan) near the *Curiosity* landing ellipse and [landing site](/source/Bradbury_Landing) (noted by +)

"[Hottah](/source/Hottah_(Mars))" [rock outcrop](/source/Rock_outcrop) on Mars - an ancient [streambed](/source/Streambed) viewed by *Curiosity* (September 14, 2012) ([close-up](https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/figures/PIA16156_fig1.jpg)) ([3-D version](https://web.archive.org/web/20130521042719/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/images/pia16223-stereoHattah-Mastcam-br2.jpg)).

"[Link](/source/Link_(Mars))" [rock outcrop](/source/Outcrop) on Mars - compared with a terrestrial [fluvial conglomerate](/source/Conglomerate_(geology)#Fluvial) - suggesting water "vigorously" flowing in a [stream](/source/Stream)

*Curiosity* on the way to [Glenelg](/source/Glenelg%2C_Mars) (September 26, 2012)

*[Curiosity](/source/Curiosity_(rover))*'s view of "[Mount Sharp](/source/Aeolis_Mons)" (September 20, 2012; [white balanced](/source/Color_balance)) ([raw color](https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/jpeg/PIA16769.jpg))

*Curiosity*'s view of the "[Rocknest](/source/Rocknest_(Mars))" area - south is center/north at both ends; Mount Sharp at SE horizon (somewhat left-of-center); "[Glenelg](/source/Glenelg%2C_Mars)" at east (left-of-center); rover tracks at west (right-of-center) (November 16, 2012; [white balanced](/source/Color_balance)) ([raw color](https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA16919)) ([interactives](https://mars.nasa.gov/multimedia/interactives/billionpixel/))

*Curiosity*'s view of Gale's walls from [Aeolis Palus](/source/Aeolis_Palus) at "[Rocknest](/source/Rocknest_(Mars))" looking eastward toward "Point Lake" (center) on the way to "[Glenelg Intrigue](/source/Glenelg%2C_Mars)" - Aeolis Mons is on the right (November 26, 2012; [white balanced](/source/Color_balance)) ([raw color](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PIA16453-MarsCuriosityRover-RocknestPanorama-Raw-20121126.jpg))

*[Curiosity](/source/Curiosity_(rover))*'s view of "Mount Sharp" (September 9, 2015)

*Curiosity*'s view of [Mars sky](/source/Extraterrestrial_skies#Mars) at [sunset](/source/Sunset#Planets) (February 2013; Sun simulated by artist)

## See also

- [Astrobiology](/source/Astrobiology)

- [Atmosphere of Mars](/source/Atmosphere_of_Mars)

- [Climate of Mars](/source/Climate_of_Mars)

- [Composition of Mars](/source/Composition_of_Mars)

- [Equatorial Layered Deposits](/source/Equatorial_Layered_Deposits)

- [Geology of Mars](/source/Geology_of_Mars)

- [Glenelg, Mars](/source/Glenelg%2C_Mars)

- [Groundwater on Mars](/source/Groundwater_on_Mars)

- [HiRISE](/source/HiRISE)

- [Impact crater](/source/Impact_crater)

- [Impact event](/source/Impact_event)

- [Lakes on Mars](/source/Lakes_on_Mars)

- [Life on Mars](/source/Life_on_Mars)

- [List of craters on Mars](/source/List_of_craters_on_Mars)

- [List of mountains on Mars](/source/List_of_mountains_on_Mars)

- [List of mountains on Mars by height](/source/List_of_mountains_on_Mars_by_height)

- [List of rocks on Mars](/source/List_of_rocks_on_Mars)

- [List of valles on Mars](/source/List_of_valles_on_Mars)

- [Methane on Mars](/source/Methane_on_Mars)

- [Ore resources on Mars](/source/Ore_resources_on_Mars)

- [Peace Vallis](/source/Peace_Vallis)

- [Timeline of Mars Science Laboratory](/source/Timeline_of_Mars_Science_Laboratory)

- [Water on Mars](/source/Water_on_Mars)

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## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Gale Crater](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Gale_Crater).

- ["NASA's Curiosity Rover Discovers a Surprise in a Martian Rock"](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-discovers-a-surprise-in-a-martian-rock). NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). July 18, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2024.

- [Google Mars scrollable map](http://www.google.com/mars/#lat=-5.4&lon=137.7) – centered on Gale Crater

- [Gale Crater – *Curiosity* rover "StreetView" (Sol 2 – 08/08/2012) – NASA/JPL – 360° panorama](http://www.360pano.eu/show/?id=731) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120819155927/http://www.360pano.eu/show/?id=731) August 19, 2012, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) from 360pano.eu

- [Gale Crater – *Curiosity* rover Landing Site (July 21, 2012) – Video (02:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrxvbRA2xCI) on [YouTube](/source/YouTube_video_(identifier))

- [Gale Crater – Central Debris Mound](https://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/PSP_002464_1745) from lpl.arizona.edu

- [Gale Crater – Layers](https://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/PSP_001897_1745) from lpl.arizona.edu

- [Gale Crater – Image/THEMIS VIS 18m/px Mosaic](https://jmars.mars.asu.edu/maps/gale/gale.html) from mars.asu.edu (Zoomable) ([small](https://themis.asu.edu/files/gale_mosaic_1000.png))

- [Gale Crater – Surroundings](https://archive.today/20121210054040/http://hrscview.fu-berlin.de/cgi-bin/ion-p?ION__E1=UPDATE:ion://hrscview2.ion&ION__E2=control:ion://hrscview2.ion&image=7242_0000&image1=4+images&pos=4.915S,+137.328E&scale=1600&viewport=2048x1536&basemap_on=on&basemap=MOLAelevation&labels_on=on&hrsc_on=on&mode=mars&pansharpen=on&src_on=on&pview=North&exag=1&UPDATE=Update+view&image0=7242_0000&code=75963577) from HRSCview.fu-berlin.de

- [Gale Crater – 3D version by ESA](https://blogs.esa.int/mex/files/2012/08/Gale_Crater_3d1_H.jpg)

- [Video (04:32) – Evidence: Water "Vigorously" Flowed On Mars – September, 2012](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr1Xu2i-Uc0)

- [Video (66:00) – Gale Crater History (May 26, 2015)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq65TVKDZXs) on [YouTube](/source/YouTube_video_(identifier))

- [Video (02:54) – Gale Crater Guide (August 2, 2017)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-uAz82sH-E) on [YouTube](/source/YouTube_video_(identifier))

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v t e Geography and geology of Mars Cartography Regions Abalos Undae Aspledon Undae Arabia Terra Cerberus Cydonia Eridania Lake Hyperboreae Undae Ogygis Undae Olympia Undae Planum Australe Planum Boreum Quadrangles Sinus Meridiani Siton Undae Tempe Terra Terra Cimmeria Terra Sabaea Tharsis Vastitas Borealis Quadrangles Aeolis Amazonis Amenthes Arabia Arcadia Argyre Casius Cebrenia Coprates Diacria Elysium Eridania Hellas Iapygia Ismenius Lacus Lunae Palus Mare Acidalium Mare Australe (South Pole) Mare Boreum (North Pole) Mare Tyrrhenum Margaritifer Sinus Memnonia Noachis Oxia Palus Phaethontis Phoenicis Lacus Sinus Sabaeus Syrtis Major Tharsis Thaumasia Geology Surface features Brain terrain Carbonates Chaos terrain Color Composition Concentric crater fill Dark slope streak Dichotomy Dune fields Hagal Nili Patera Fretted terrain Geysers Glaciers Groundwater Gullies Inverted relief Lakes Lava tubes Lineated valley fill (LVF) Lobate debris apron North Polar Basin Ocean hypothesis Ore resources Outflow channels Polar caps Ring mold craters Rootless cones Scalloped topography Seasonal flows Soil Spherules Surface Swiss cheese features Terrain softening Tholus Upper plains unit Valley networks Water discovery chronology Yardangs History Amazonian Hesperian Noachian Volcanology Observation history Canals (list) Classical albedo features Rocks observed Curiosity rover Bathurst Inlet Coronation Goulburn Hottah Jake Matijevic Link Rocknest Rocknest 3 Tintina Opportunity rover Bounce El Capitan Last Chance Sojourner rover Barnacle Bill Yogi Spirit rover Adirondack Home Plate Mimi Pot of Gold Viking Big Joe Other Face Monolith Meteorites found on Mars Block Island Heat Shield Mackinac Island Meridiani Planum Oileán Ruaidh Shelter Island Martian meteorites found on Earth Balsaltic Breccia Chassignites Nakhlites Shergottites Other List Topography Mountains, volcanoes (list by height) Acidalia Colles Alba Mons Anseris Mons Apollinaris Mons Ariadnes Colles Astapus Colles Ausonia Montes Avernus Colles Biblis Tholus Centauri Montes Charitum Montes Echus Montes Elysium Elysium Mons Albor Tholus Hecates Tholus Erebus Montes Galaxius Mons Hadriacus Mons Hellas Montes Jovis Tholus Libya Montes Mount Sharp Nereidum Montes Olympus Mons Phlegra Montes Syrtis Major Planum Tartarus Colles Tartarus Montes Tharsis Montes Ascraeus Pavonis Arsia Tharsis Tholus Tyrrhenus Mons Ulysses Tholus Uranius group Uranius Mons Ceraunius Tholus Uranius Tholus Plains, plateaus Acidalia Planitia Aeolis Palus Amazonis Planitia Arcadia Planitia Argentea Planum Argyre Planitia Chryse Planitia Daedalia Planum Elysium Planitia Eridania Planitia Hellas Planitia Hesperia Planum Icaria Planum Isidis Planitia Lunae Planum Meridiani Planum Oxia Planum Planum Australe Planum Boreum Syria Planum Syrtis Major Planum Utopia Planitia Eden Patera Orcus Patera Peneus Patera Pityusa Patera Siloe Patera Canyons, valleys Aram Chaos Arsia Chasmata Aromatum Chaos Atlantis Chaos Aureum Chaos Candor Chasma Chasma Boreale Coprates Chasma Echus Chasma Eos Chaos Eos Chasma Galaxias Chaos Ganges Chasma Gorgonum Chaos Hebes Chasma Hydaspis Chaos Hydraotes Chaos Iani Chaos Ister Chaos Ius Chasma Juventae Chasma Melas Chasma Ophir Chasma Tithonium Chasma List of valles Apsus Ares Arnus Asopus Athabasca Auqakuh Bahram Buvinda Dao Enipeus Frento Granicus Green Valley Harmakhis Hebrus Her Desher Hrad Huo Hsing Hypanis Iberus Indus Ituxi Kasei Labou Ladon Lethe Licus Louros Maʼadim Mad Maja Mamers Mangala Marineris Labes Marte Maumee Mawrth Minio Naktong Nanedi Niger Nirgal Padus Paraná Patapsco Peace Rahway Ravi Reull Sabis Sabrina Samara Scamander Shalbatana Simud Stura Tader Tinia Tinjar Tiu Tyras Uzboi ULM Vedra Verde Warrego Fossae, mensae, rupes, labyrinthi Amenthes Fossae Ceraunius Fossae Cerberus Fossae Coloe Fossae Cyane Fossae Elysium Fossae Hephaestus Fossae Icaria Fossae Labeatis Fossae Mangala Fossa Mareotis Fossae Medusae Fossae Memnonia Fossae Nili Fossae Olympica Fossae Oti Fossae Sirenum Fossae Tantalus Fossae Tempe Fossae Tithonium Fossae Tractus Fossae Ulysses Fossae Aeolis Mensae Ausonia Mensa Capri Mensa Cydonia Mensae Deuteronilus Mensae Ganges Mensa Nilosyrtis Mensae Protonilus Mensae Sacra Mensa Claritas Rupes Nilokeras Scopulus Olympus Rupes Rupes Tenuis Angustus Labyrinthus Noctis Labyrinthus Catenae, craters Artynia Catena Tithoniae Catenae Tractus Catena Adams Agassiz Airy Airy-0 Aniak Antoniadi Arandas Argo Arkhangelsky Arrhenius Asimov Bacolor Bakhuysen Baldet Baltisk Bamberg Barabashov Barnard Beagle Becquerel Beer Belz Bernard Bianchini Boeddicker Bok Bond Bonestell Bonneville Brashear Briault Burroughs Burton Campbell Canso Cassini Caxias Cerulli Chafe Chapais Chincoteague Chryse Alien Clark Coblentz Columbus Copernicus Corby Crewe Crivitz Crommelin Cruls Curie Da Vinci Danielson Darwin Davies Dawes Dejnev Denning Dilly Dinorwic Douglass Dromore Du Martheray Eagle (Acidalia Planitia) Eagle (Meridiani Planum) Eberswalde Eddie Ejriksson Emma Dean Endeavour Matijevic Hill Endurance Erebus Escalante Eudoxus Fenagh Fesenkov Firsoff Flammarion Flaugergues Focas Fontana Fournier Fram Freedom Galdakao Gale Galle Garni Gasa Gilbert Gill Gledhill Gold Graff Green Grindavik Gusev Apollo 1 Hills Chaffee Grissom White Columbia Hills Husband McCool Sleepy Hollow Hadley Haldane Hale Halley Hargraves Hartwig Heaviside Heimdal Heinlein Helmholtz Henry Herschel Hipparchus Holden Holmes Hooke Huggins Hussey Hutton Huxley Huygens Iazu Ibragimov Inuvik Janssen Jarry-Desloges Jeans Jezero Jezža Joly Jones Kaiser Keeler Kepler Kinkora Kipini Knobel Koga Korolev Kufra Kuiper Kunowsky Lambert Lamont Lampland Lassell Lau Le Verrier Li Fan Liais Lipik Liu Hsin Llanesco Lockyer Lod Lohse Lomonosov Louth Lowell Lyell Lyot Mädler Magelhaens Maggini Main Mandora Maraldi Mariner Marth Martz Masursky Maunder McLaughlin McMurdo Mellish Mendel Mie Milankovic Millochau Mitchel Miyamoto Mohawk Mojave Molesworth Montevallo Moreux Müller Nansen Nereus Newton Nhill Nicholson Niesten Nipigon Onon Orson Welles Oudemans Palana Pangboche Pasteur Penticton Perepelkin Peridier Persbo Pettit Phillips Pickering Playfair Pollack Poona Porter Porth Priestley Proctor Ptolemaeus Puńsk Quenisset Rabe Radau Rahe Rayleigh Redi Renaudot Reuyl Reynolds Richardson Ritchey Robert Sharp Roddenberry Ross Rossby Rudaux Russell Rutherford Sagan Saheki Santa Maria Schaeberle Schiaparelli Schmidt Secchi Semeykin Sharonov Sibu Sinton Sitka Sklodowska Slipher Smith South Spallanzani Srīpur Steno Stokes Stoney Suess Suzhi Tarsus Taytay Teisserenc de Bort Terby Thila Thira Tikhonravov Tikhov Timbuktu Tombaugh Tooting Trouvelot Troy Trud Trumpler Tugaske Tycho Brahe Tyndall Udzha Vernal Very Victoria Cape Verde Vinogradov Vinogradsky Virrat Vishniac Vogel Von Kármán Vostok Wallace Wegener Weinbaum Wells Williams Winslow Wirtz Wislicenus Wright Yuty Zumba Zunil

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Gale (crater)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gale_(crater)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gale_(crater)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.