Other Worlds

Below is a summary of contributions, key insights and ongoing work by Daniel Quinn, Oscar Argudo and Jim Singh as part of the World Ribus Solar System research project which began in late 2024 and is a continuation of previous work to identify all peaks on Earth with 1000 metres or more of prominence (known as Ribu (singular) Ribus (plural).

Contributions:

Mars: Lowest Point Re-defined

  • Pinpointed Mars’ true lowest point in a central pit within Badwater Crater using MOLA + HRSC DEM (2018), which was missed by original MOLA DEM.
  • Revised the accepted depth to ≈328m lower than the value cited for the past 20 years.

See https://marslow.carrd.co for more.

Mars’ Olympus Mons: Most Detailed Morphometry to Date

  • Used MOLA + HRSC DEM to produce the most detailed morphometrics of Olympus Mons to date, including summit elevation, slope, prominence relief and base-to-peak relief.

See https://marsmons.carrd.co for more.

Venus: Lowest Point Re-located

  • Using Magellan Global 4641 DEM (1997), identified the lowest terrain to be in Ganis Chasma, not Diana Chasma as widely reported, or Devana Chasma.
  • Depth is ≈400m lower than previous estimates.

See https://venuslow.carrd.co for more.

Venus: Highest Point Clarified & Naming Issue Exposed

  • Combined Magellan 4641 and Stereo DEM (2012) to refine Venus’ highest elevation and location of the Maxwell Montes.
  • Showed “Skadi Mons” as defined by IAU is a misapplied, non-significant feature; findings prompted a USGS review and recommendation to withdraw the name.

See https://venushigh.carrd.co for more.

Moon: Tallest Mountains Identified

  • Used the LOLA + SELENE TC DEM (2015) to identify the Moon’s tallest mountains by prominence. Work led to entry in Guinness World Records and results shared by planetary scientists with their social communities.

See https://moonsummits.carrd.co for more.

Behind the Contributions: Key Insights

  • A major publishing gap existed. Even where high-resolution digital elevation models have been available for years, the extremes of planetary landscapes had not been analysed and published as primary sources.
  • Misinformation spread unchecked. Incorrect or outdated identities, descriptions and measurements of features were propagated by sources commonly seen as authoritative: space-agency outreach, science and astronomy news sites and magazines, STEM-funded teaching materials and commercial books.
  • Scientific literature wasn’t immune. Old references and unclear definitions and baselines continued to be cited, leading to confusion and even faulty geological conclusions.
  • Verification is within reach. Free analysis tools now let authors and educators check and strengthen their own content with accurate data, but are seemingly underutilised.
  • Orbiter data holds untapped value – and anyone can use it. With publicly released datasets, powerful free analysis software and AI, motivated individuals can make new and meaningful discoveries – not only professional researchers at large institutions.

Ongoing Work

  • Topographic prominence analysis of all feature with 900 metres of prominence or anti-prominence across 6 planetary bodies (Moon, Mars, Ceres, Vesta, Mercury, Venus).
  • Creation of the first comprehensive catalogue of prominent mountains across 6 planetary bodies, including name and prominence and elevation values for all features with 1000 metres or more of prominence.
  • Creation of a comprehensive catalogue of anti-prominent features (e.g. craters) across 6 planetary bodies.
  • Development of a systematic naming method for prominent and anti-prominent features on planetary bodies.
  • Creation of the first contiguous regional divisions across 6 planetary bodies including 2 distinct levels for bodies with in excess of 1000km diameter.

We intend for the work to become available in full in 2026/2027, both as an exclusive physical publication focusing on mountains across the Moon, Mars, Ceres, Vesta, Mercury and Venus plus free database downloads of prominent and anti-prominent features for use by researchers.

You can track research progress on this page.