Hi Alex,

I look at this data and immediately plug in the historic observation of Mars (i.e. vast regions experiencing seasonal color changes of green over vast parts of the globe).

Unless ice changes color (which is possible, but highly unlikely) I think it takes little puzzle solving to realize that the surface of Mars is covered with water ice and frost which seasonally thaws to some degree providing moisture for some type of recurring surface changes.

The color changes could be caused by something as minor as a muddying of the surface dust, or as major as the rapid growth of an surface fungi.

The planet moves one step closer to the "Blue Mars" hypothesis, and I think we are going to soon see detailed imagery the beautiful water-sculpted surface of Mars.

Mark and Chris have got to be ecstatic. As this makes colonization a much more feasible goal.

Of course, Barry and ICAMSR will likely be pretty happy too.

Looking at Mars surface will be much like looking at the petrified forest of Arizona. ;-) Beautiful in a harsh, arid sort of way.

Looks like Bonestell and Wernher von Braun probably had it right all along.

It looks like the days of guessing are over.

Playing the Devil's Advocate,

SDAI-Tech1