Wispy Martian clouds over the steep slopes of Ophir Chasma
Overhead, light and wispy cirrus clouds can be seen drifting on Mars.
The Mars Express HRSC captured an image of the eastern Ophir Chasma, the northernmost part of the Valles Marineris canyon system, during the spacecraft's 8399th orbit around Mars.
Overhead, light and wispy cirrus clouds can be seen drifting.
We selected this image because the terrain is breathtaking, especially with the clouds. It's a stunning picture, but of course, because of the space science.
The science
The presence of cirrus clouds indicates the existence of water ice crystals in the Martian atmosphere. Said clouds form at high altitudes (typically over 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) and extremely low temperatures, below –120°C [–184°F]. Their presence suggests dynamic atmospheric processes, including vertical mixing, sublimation, and condensation of water vapour, which is essential for understanding Mars' hydrological cycle.
The image shows a portion of the Valles Marineris canyon system, one of the largest known in the solar system! This massive tectonic rift spans over 4,000 [4.3 miles]. And the structure is believed to have formed through a combination of tectonic stretching and volcanic activity. Ophir Chasma, with its steep cliffs and landslides, provides us with vital science into the mechanical erosion and stratigraphy of Martian rock layers.
Moreover, the detection of atmospheric ice clouds allows scientists to better model climate patterns on Mars. These clouds influence the planet’s albedo (reflectivity), potentially affecting local temperatures and the transport of dust and moisture.
The fact that the image was taken during the spacecraft’s 8399th orbit is a great nod to the dedication driving space science. Long-term datasets like this are crucial for tracking seasonal shifts, mapping water in its various forms, and refining forecasts for future missions—whether robotic explorers or crewed journeys to the Red Planet.
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