Mars is a harsh and frigid planet, surrounded by an atmosphere consisting of 95% CO2.
The sand dunes near the polar region of Mars glisten with a layer of white ice. The darker portion is basaltic soil formed from past volcanic activity. During the summer, these CO2 ice layers may partially or completely sublimate – Photo: NASA.
According to NASA, the climate on Mars also has four seasons like Earth, but the duration of each season is longer due to a Martian year being twice as long as an Earth year.
The average surface temperature is -60 degrees Celsius, and during the peak of winter, it can drop below -125 degrees Celsius.
In the northern hemisphere, spring lasts for about 7 months, summer for approximately 6 months, autumn for over 5 months, and winter for 4 months. Generally, the seasons in the northern region are more stable and milder compared to the southern region.
To study the geology and climate of this planet, NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has been tasked since 2006 with orbiting Mars and capturing images throughout the year.
More than 40,000 images of the “red planet” have been transmitted to Earth, providing valuable information for the landing and exploration of spacecraft on Mars.
Recently, the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured the latest images of the winter season on Mars, revealing an intriguing surface with white CO2 ice patches covering characteristic red soil layers.
NASA also states that the Martian terrain and landscapes change throughout the year, with winter being the most visually stunning season. The spacecraft’s meticulous imaging system has documented these scenic transformations on Mars.
Gigantic sand dunes on Mars. In the image: geology in the softer-toned dark part compared to the rest – Photo: NASA.
The photograph resembles a cell seen through a microscope, but it actually showcases the terrain in the southern polar region of Mars. Here, as the ice melts, it contributes to the formation of layers of heavier material beneath the surface, as depicted in the image – Photo: NASA.
A rare image on Mars featuring deep sand pits. According to scientists, this phenomenon is created when a quantity of CO2 sublimates, leaving behind a large cavity – Photo: NASA.
The image evokes associations with a river system on Earth, but it is actually Mars, characterized by the distinct red color of the soil combined with the whiteness of the ice – Photo: NASA.
Experts explain that this intricate pattern has formed over many years. As the ice forms and disappears, the terrain undergoes slight changes, like scars on a body. Over multiple melting seasons, the geological features experience significant alterations, as shown in the image. The photo was taken in the southern polar region, where the weather is the most severe on the “red” planet – Photo: NASA.