Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

Galle: Happy Face Crater on Mars

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for February 1, 2026 is “Galle: Happy Face Crater on Mars,” an image. It is credited to Image Credit: NASA , MGS , MSSS. The original explanation runs about 144 words.

Several craters are visible on a tan surface. The largest crater, on the right, has internal markings that make it look like a winking face with a smile. Please see the explanation for more detailed information.
Credit: Image Credit: NASA , MGS , MSSS Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“Mars has put on a happy face. The Martian crater Galle is famous because it has internal markings that make it look like a face that is both smiling and winking.”

— APOD editors, February 1, 2026

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
February 1, 2026
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Image Credit: NASA , MGS , MSSS
Copyright
No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 144 words

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Topics in this entry

Mars

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: February 1 in other years

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Source

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.