Mаrs іs tyрically іmagіned аs а рlanet entіrely сovered іn red duѕt, wіth whіte іce сaps аt іts рoles, dаrk brown іron oxіde ruѕt, аnd іmpact сraters.
However, from a different perspective, our neighboring planet reveals a whole new color palette. This astonishing revelation is captured in the latest images from NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft orbiting the red planet.
MAVEN carries an instrument capable of detecting a wavelength invisible to the human eye: ultraviolet light. Within the ultraviolet wavelength range, various gases and interactions occurring in the Martian sky become visible.
For instance, MAVEN has unveiled peculiar ultraviolet auroras dancing above Mars and invisible lights emitted in the Martian atmosphere at night (known as nightglow) by recombining atoms that were previously separated by sunlight.
NASA has released new images displaying the three ultraviolet wavelengths, depicted in red, green, and blue. Clouds and fog in the atmosphere appear white or bluish, while the surface may exhibit shades of brown or green. The Martian ozone layer appears purple.
The first image was taken in July 2022. Image: NASA
Two images taken six months apart showcase seasonal changes in the atmosphere of the red planet. The first image, captured in July 2022, portrays the Southern hemisphere during its summer season, around the time of the summer solstice (and winter solstice for the Northern hemisphere).
The atmosphere appears quite clear, with clouds filling the Valles Marineris canyons at the top left. The extent of the polar ice cap in the Southern region, fully visible as a bright white, is at its lowest during the summer season. Water vapor can be detected at high altitudes due to the heat of summer and dust storms.
The second image was taken six months later, in January 2023. Seasons on Mars last twice as long as those on Earth, so this image was captured after the spring equinox in the Northern hemisphere.
Ozone accumulation emits a purple hue on Mars. Image: NASA
Seasonal changes have led to the formation of numerous white clouds around the Northern hemisphere, while the accumulation of ozone emits a purple hue. This gas accumulates in the atmosphere during the frigid winter nights and dissipates in the spring through interactions with water vapor as the polar ice caps melt under warmer conditions.
Initially planned for a 2-year mission, MAVEN has been in orbit around Mars since September 2014 and its mission has been extended indefinitely due to the spacecraft’s continued operational status.
NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft has captured marvelous phenomena during its time in orbit around the red planet, and NASA hopes the spacecraft will continue to thrive for a long time.