Dark lines appearing on Martian slopes have triggered theories of flowing water or brine on the planet’s surface. But a new study suggests that these features are, instead, dry. To Keep reading
Tag: Mars
Martian Mud Volcanoes
Mars features mounds that resemble our terrestrial mud volcanoes, suggesting that a similar form of mudflow occurs on Mars. But Mars’ thin atmosphere and frigid temperatures mean that water — Keep reading
Playful Martian Dust Devils
The Martian atmosphere lacks the density to support tornado storm systems, but vortices are nevertheless a frequent occurrence. As sun-warmed gases rise, neighboring air rushes in, bringing with it any Keep reading
Seeking Mars’ Past
Although Mars is quite dry and inhospitable today, our rovers continue to search for evidence of a past Mars that could have sustained life. A recent study suggests that, at Keep reading
Martian Auroras
Auroras happen when energetic particles — usually from the solar wind — interact with the atmosphere. Here on Earth, they’re most often found near the poles, where our strong global Keep reading
Water Suspected Beneath Mars
The surface features of Mars — crossed by river deltas and sedimentary deposits — indicate a watery past. Where that water went after the planet lost its atmosphere 3 – Keep reading
The Unusual Auroras of Mars
Earth, Saturn, and Jupiter have auroras at their poles, generated by the interaction of their global magnetic fields with the solar wind. Mars has no global magnetic field, only remnants Keep reading
Changing Climes on Mars
China’s Zhurong rover explored Utopia Planitia on Mars from May 2021 to December 2022. During that expedition, the rover uncovered evidence of a major shift in climate that took place Keep reading
Fast-Moving Martian Rivers
For the first time, scientists have found evidence of deep, fast-flowing ancient rivers on Mars. After examining images taken recently by the Perseverance rover in Jezero Crater, fluvial experts have Keep reading
Martian Wind Power
To support a crew on Mars, a landing site must offer resources like water and allow for sufficient power generation. Thus far, most analyses of this sort have focused on Keep reading