Photos: Mars Orbiter snaps first high-res image

This is a full resolution portion of the first image of the Martian surface by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera. This photo covers an area of about 1.6 by 1.3 miles. From 1,547 miles, the camera provides a resolution of 98 inches per pixel. At this scale you could see the Empire State Building from Dallas.

When the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter reaches its planned altitude of 174 miles in fall 2006, it will provide a resolution of about 11 inches per pixel. The smallest discernable shapes will be less than three feet long.