Asteroid craters, by nature, are scary things to behold. Not only are they pretty much evidence of what sort of damage huge flying rocks from space can actually do to a planet, the fact that the moment of impact happened in a mere, well, moment that craters cease to become interesting landmarks, and more like a sign of things to come.

And here to show us in all its terrifying glory is the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's picture of the Stickney Crater, the largest crater on the martian moon of Phobos. Over nine kilometers in diameter, Stickney Crater is one big pockmark on Phobos' surface.

What's so scary about Stickney Crater is that it stands for the day that Phobos was nearly reduced to mere space dust. Yes, the asteroid responsible for Stickney Crater struck the asteroid-like moon with enough force that the moon almost shattered on impact. By some twist of fate, Phobos was able to escape total obliteration.

While it seems a bit far-fetched that we might share the same fate, we have to remind you that Mars isn't THAT far away from us. And when you consider the fact that we do get our own big ones now and then - the Vredefort Crater in Free State, South Africa measures over 300 kilometers - we're pretty much due. Here's hoping it doesn't have that much of an impact when it comes in. In any case, enjoy the photo!