Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

http://www.techinsider.io/new-mars-reconnaissance-orbiter-hirise-photos-2016-8

Mars definitely deserves its ‘Red Planet‘ nickname, since it’s basically covered in reddish-brown rust.

But scientists use such a range of photographing techniques that the planet can end up a rainbow of colors.

NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter started circling the planet in 2006, and since then its camera has been busy capturing gorgeous — and scientifically valuable — images of Mars.

That camera, called HiRISE, takes images so detailed scientists can examine the planet’s features at the scale of just a few feet.

We combed through the camera’s latest update to find some of the most beautiful pictures. Scientists haven’t had a chance to dig their teeth into them yet — but when they do, who knows what incredible discoveries they’ll make.

http://www.techinsider.io/new-mars-reconnaissance-orbiter-hirise-photos-2016-8

Be sure to look up at the sky tomorrow as Mars comes the closest to Earth since November 2005.

For more information, visit NASA’s Mars in Our Night Sky page.