Mars — Sand ridge erosion on the Medusae Fossae Formation
Mars — Sand Ridge Erosion on the Medusae Fossae Formation is a visually dramatic entry in the Radiance series, capturing the wind-sculpted landscape of one of Mars’s most enigmatic regions. Imaged by the HiRISE camera aboard NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter on 31 December 2007, this print reveals intricate systems of linear sand ridges, known as yardangs, carved into the soft deposits of the Medusae Fossae Formation. These ridges point in the direction of prevailing Martian winds and illustrate the ongoing power of aeolian process to sculpt and rework the surface over time.
Stretching for more than 5,000 kilometres along the equator, the Medusae Fossae Formation is a vast geological feature marked by easily eroded volcanic and sedimentary deposits. Its origin remains uncertain, with possible explanations including volcanic ash, wind-blown dust, or ancient pumice rafts. The region is thought to be the largest single source of dust on Mars and displays alternating smooth plateaus and deeply etched grooves. Studies suggest the deposits can be up to several kilometres thick, and the formation’s high sulfur and chlorine content points to an explosive volcanic past. The landscape is still actively reshaped by Martian winds, exposing ancient craters and revealing remnant stream beds as raised, curvilinear ridges.
This print was meticulously created from original high-fidelity HiRISE image data, with careful processing to maintain fine details in both texture and tone—the delicate interplay of ridges, shadows, and undulating surface testifies to the complex past and present of Martian geomorphology.
HiRISE, the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment, has operated on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter since 2006 and offers imagery of Mars at sub-metre resolution, revolutionising the study of the planet’s landscape evolution and surface processes.
This open edition print is realised on 250gsm archival matte paper using the giclée process, ensuring crispness, rich tonality, and a refined finish that accentuates the intricacy and detail of Martian sand ridge erosion.
Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona
Radiance Series
Radiance is our series devoted to image-born works — pictures made by light itself. Drawn from observatory archives and scientific instruments, these pieces begin as high-fidelity sensor images: Mars at meter-scale detail from HiRISE, deep-sky vistas from JWST and ESO/ESA observatories, wide-area surveys, and even terrestrial science—oceanic, geological and biological imagery—where structure and texture emerge directly from the data.
The craft is exacting. We source the highest-resolution originals, reconstruct large fields (for example, stitching complex Mars terrains), and make restrained, evidence-minded adjustments to reveal tone, micro-contrast and fine structure without losing the character of the capture. Each image is then prepared for print at generous sizes—profiled, proofed and tuned with our specialist UK printers—so dune morphologies, dust lanes, cloud bands, crystalline patterns and microscopic architectures resolve with quiet clarity.
Printed on museum-grade papers, Radiance presents planetary, earthly and microscopic worlds with archival discipline and a sense of presence you can stand in front of — photographs in the deepest sense: light recorded, honoured, and given room to breathe.
Printing & Materials
Our Radiance series is produced in collaboration with specialist fine-art printing partners using museum-grade 250 gsm archival giclée paper.
Each print is made to order with exceptional precision and colour accuracy, using pigment-based inks for long-term stability and rich tonal depth.
Prints are carefully rolled in acid-free tissue and shipped in rigid cardboard tubes to ensure they arrive in perfect condition, ready for framing.
All materials and processes are chosen for their longevity, texture, and fidelity to the original artwork, reflecting our commitment to quality and craft.