On Earth, flowers are a clear sign of spring, but on Mars, it’s seasonal ‘spiders’ that are a clear indication of winter ending. No, it’s not a sign of life on Mars, but that doesn’t make this phenomenon less intriguing – let’s get to the bottom of it.
What Are Martian Spiders?
Martian spiders are dark, web-like formations found near Mars’ polar regions. They are not real spiders but are geological formations created by the sublimation of carbon dioxide ice.
How Do Martian Spiders Form?
In the Martian spring, sunlight warms the CO2 ice, causing it to turn into gas. This gas builds up under the ice until it breaks through, dragging dark material to the surface and forming spider-like patterns – and these distinctive spider patterns can be up to 1 kilometer wide.
Capturing the Spiders in Action
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) captured stunning images of these spiders near the south polar region, Angustus Labyrinthus, also known as “Inca City,” a region with fascinating geological formations.
How Cold Is It on Mars?
Mars is a cold planet. Average temperatures hover around -80°F, but it can drop to -195°F near the poles during winter. These frigid conditions are essential for the formation of CO2 ice, which plays a crucial role in creating the Martian spiders.
How Big Is Mars Compared to Earth?
Mars is about half the size of Earth. Its diameter is around 4,220 miles, while Earth’s is about 7,917 miles. Despite its smaller size, Mars has a similar land surface area to Earth because it lacks oceans, making it an intriguing target for exploration.
The Future of Mars Exploration
The TGO continues to study Mars, while the Rosalind Franklin rover, delayed until 2028, will join the mission. Understanding these spiders helps scientists create accurate Martian weather models and prepare for future exploration.
Spiders On Mars: Conclusion
While these are not real spiders and sadly not proof of life in outer space, their similarity to spiders makes it an even more intriguing phenomenon. It’s easy to get caught up in the small problems in our everyday life but discoveries like this reminds us that we’re just tiny humans on rock hurling through space and time, and there is so so much more to discover.
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