Explore the Red Planet and one of its most enigmatic features: VALLES MARINERIS, the "Grand Canyon of Mars". This vast system of canyons stretches over 2,400 miles (4,000 km) around Mars, up to 435 miles (700 km) wide and 4.35 miles (7 km) deep. On Earth it would traverse the entire North American continent from Los Angeles to New York. Arizona's Grand Canyon (280 miles long, up to 18.7 miles wide, and 1.25 miles at its deepest) would be swallowed up by one of its minor side canyons. It was formed by tectonic forces, and scoured by ancient floods.

Now you can explore its mysteries by building a 20"x13" 3D-model of VALLES MARINERIS. Assemble 8 actual NASA contour maps compiled by a Mars-orbiting spacecraft, and mount them in a full-color frame with close-up views of the Martian surface.

(Age 7+)