Mars Places #13: Meridiani Planum

Description: Meridiani Planum is a vast plain near Mars' equator, site of the Opportunity rover landing in 2004. Covering thousands of square km, it's rich in hematite, indicating past water, with layered sedimentary rocks, craters like Endurance and Victoria, and sulfate minerals. Formed by ancient seas or groundwater, it preserves a record of Mars' wet past.

How I Got My Name: Named 'Meridiani' from Latin for midday, as it's near the prime meridian defined by Airy-0 crater.

Interesting Fact: Opportunity discovered 'blueberries,' hematite spherules formed in water; rover traveled 45 km over 14 years, confirming long-standing lakes and acidic waters in Mars' history.

Location: Centered at 0° N, 0° E.