Astronomy Picture of the Day · July 21, 2026

Turtle Rock on Mars

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for July 21, 2026 is “Turtle Rock on Mars,” an image. It is credited to Image Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSS ; Processing & License : Thomas Thomopoulos. The original explanation runs about 161 words.

An orange landscape is seen with many darker rocks visible in the foreground. Toward the image top is a large rock outcrop with orange sand on top. The outcrop may appear to resemble a large turtle. Please see the explanation for more detai — Credit: Image Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSS ; Processing & License : Thomas Thomopoulos Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“Is this a fossilized turtle on Mars? No.”

— APOD editors, July 21, 2026

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: July 21, 2026
Type: Image
Credit: Credit: Image Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSS ; Processing & License : Thomas Thomopoulos
Copyright: No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 161 words