"Colors of Mars" have long been a frustrating argument for observers. When I look at the planet in the telescope -- unfiltered view -- I see a mottled ruddy tan surface, surprisingly pale given the lurid orange, red, pink, and yellow versions marketed and defended as "true color" by this or that agency. I have never seen dark areas in the telescope as anything but a pale gray, as close to colorless as possible. Of course, I am reliably informed, and I believe, that the paleness of the telescopic view has to do with the brilliance of the sunlight being reflected. Coal black would be reflected as pale or even silvery gray.

Color photos of the Martian surface taken through the telescope in the 1950's showed some dark areas as strongly green. But even then, researchers wondered if the "green" reflection was due to the contrast with the "orange" surface.

The gorgeous Hubble view has obviously been manipulated and enhanced to "bring out details." And also for eye appeal. It's a pretty picture!

Color images of Mars ought to be made, discussed, admired, disputed -- but historically the colors of Mars have given rise to endless, generally useless argument, antagonism, and fulmination. I sure there are those who will still defend the ridiculous blood red images of the Martian surface JPL was so gosh-darned proud of before Pathfinder.

Cheers.