A Dust Devil Swirling on Mars
Explanation:
What is that wisp on the horizon?
Scientists think that the slight white apparition is actually a
Martian dust devil that was caught swirling across
Mars.
The
above image was taken earlier this month by the
robotic rover Spirit.
The swirling cloud was found by comparing the
above image to a previous image of the same area.
Fresh dust devil tracks
have been seen on Mars before, but actually seeing
one up close was a surprise.
The most similar phenomena to Martian dust devils on
Earth are
tornadoes and
waterspouts.
The ultimate
cause of Martian
dust devils remains unknown,
but might be related to rising air heated by sun-warmed
rocks and soil.
Just the previous day, Spirit's power acquisition
increased unexpectedly, possibly the result of a
dust devil
passing near or over the Spirit rover and effectively cleaning its
solar panels.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
