‘Cheese’ on Mars baffles

A DEEP depression on Mars has left astronomers baffled.

It was found by NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which has been studying the Martian surface for 11 years.

The vast pit, estimated to be hundreds of feet across and surrounded by frozen carbon dioxide, is located on the south pole of Mars – sticking out among the Swiss-cheese terrain of Earth’s closest neighbour.

“This pattern is created when there is relatively high, smooth material that is broken up into these circular-shaped depressions forming the ‘Swiss cheese’ terrain,” NASA said.