Carbon Dioxide Ice Formations Resemble Arachnids
The European Space Agency’s Mars Express orbiter has captured images of a peculiar phenomenon on Mars that closely resembles spiders scuttling across the planet’s surface. These “spiders” are actually small, dark-colored features formed when sunlight interacts with carbon dioxide deposited during the planet’s winter months. The ESA revealed that the carbon dioxide ice at the bottom of these deposits transforms into gas due to light exposure, leading to geyser-like bursts of dust before settling on the surface.
Exploring Mars with ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter
The intricate spider patterns beneath Martian ice were observed by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, launched in 2016 to investigate potential signs of past life on Mars. These patterns, though appearing tiny from space, can reach sizes as large as over half a mile wide. The dark spots, clustered on the outskirts of an area known as “Inca City” for its unique ridges, have puzzled scientists regarding their formation, which could involve sand dunes turning to stone over time or other geological processes.
Spring-Like Conditions on the Red Planet
While Mars experiences spring-like weather, NASA’s Curiosity Rover has been actively conducting environmental monitoring and exploring the Gale Crater. The rover’s operations coincide with the ESA’s discoveries, shedding light on the diverse and intriguing features of the Martian landscape.