... Credit: Malin Space Science Systems , MGS , JPL , NASA Explanation: Almost on cue , as Mars nears it's closest approach to planet Earth in recorded history, ominous seasonal dust storms are beginning to kick up. Observers worry that the activity may presage the development of a planet wide dust storm , frustrating attempts to view Mars in the coming months, a situation similar to the Red Planet's uncooperative behavior in 2001. ... Victoria Crater on Mars . ... Inside Victoria Crater on Mars . ...