Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin
Water frost has been detected at the equator of Mars for the first time, contrary to previous beliefs that such frost couldn't exist in this region of the Red Planet.
Credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin
This groundbreaking discovery could significantly impact our understanding of water distribution on Mars and its exchange between the atmosphere and surface, vital for future human exploration missions.
The water frost was observed by two European Space Agency (ESA) spacecraft, the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and the Mars Express mission, revealing an unexpected phenomenon.
Credit: ESA
The frost was found within the Tharsis region, home to the largest volcanic area on Mars, covering 12 large volcanoes, including Olympus Mons, the solar system's tallest peak.
Researchers attribute the presence of frost to unique microclimates within the calderas atop the Tharsis volcanoes, where moist air circulates and condenses at higher altitudes, forming frost.
Credit: ESA
Detection of the fleeting frost required specific orbital positions and timing, posing challenges for observation due to Mars' orbital characteristics and seasonal variations.
The discovery sheds light on previously unknown atmospheric phenomena on Mars, highlighting similarities and differences with Earth's climate systems.
Successful collaboration between ESA's Mars orbiters, additional modelling, and meticulous observation led to this significant breakthrough in understanding Martian surface dynamics.
Credit: ESA
The research findings were published in the journal Nature, marking a significant advancement in our knowledge of Martian atmospheric processes and water distribution.