We propose to constrain the formation of dark halos observed in hirise images to surround some newly formed martian impact craters. Recent studies show that small impactors have been continuously…

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded a $190,673.52 research grant to the Regents of the University of Idaho (University of Idaho) to evaluate proposed processes for the formation of dark halos observed around recent impact craters on Mars. The objective is to survey over 700 new impact sites and compare the characteristics of those with and without halos to determine which site features correlate to halo formation. This research grant, which has a completion date of November 16, 2022, does not have a set-aside designation. The University of Idaho, as a 1862 Land Grant College, has previously provided research services to NASA and other federal agencies on a range of topics including planetary science, firefighting technology, agriculture, forestry, and environmental issues.

We propose to constrain the formation of dark halos observed in hirise images to surround some newly formed martian impact craters. Recent studies show that small impactors have been continuously blasting mars throughout the time period during which humans have been studying mars robotically. In fact, we have discovered more than 700 impact sites that formed within the few decades since spacecraft first began imaging that planet. Many of the new impacts produced ejecta and rays, which are standard features of fresh impact craters observed even on airless bodies such as the moon and mercury. However, some of the new martian impact craters also have a circular􀁅halo􀁅 albedo feature that is distinct from the usual impact ejecta or RAY patterns. Objective􀁅1: evaluate proposed halo formation processes using the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the halo features and regional surface characteristics. We will survey each of the 700+ new impact sites for several specific site features, including a halo, crater ejecta, multiple impacts, and landslides. This survey will allow for the comparison of impact sites with and without halos to determine which site characteristics correlate to the presence or absence of halos.