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Heinlein Crater is a crater in Promethei Terra, Mars. It is centered at 64.6 degrees south, 243.8 degrees west, and is 83 km in diameter. It is named after Robert A. Heinlein, a famous author of science fiction.
According to prevailing views and based on scientific analysis of available data, there may exist underground layers of ice at northern and southern latitudes greater than 30-40 degrees. Ice may have been detected at the north polar cap. There is then a chance that underground ice will be found in the vicinity of the Heinlein Crater, making it a possible site for human settlement. In winter, the south polar cap extends about 45 degrees in south latitude. The Heinlein Crater is then covered by this seasonal cap, which consists of frozen carbon dioxide, i.e., dry ice.[citation needed]
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