The Truth Behind the Mysterious 'Spiders' on Mars

Incredible images from the European Space Agency’s Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter have sparked intrigue by revealing arachnid-like formations on Mars. However, these so-called ‘spiders’ are not living creatures but fascinating natural phenomena caused by the Martian climate.

Spring Sunshine Triggers the Formation of Mars’ ‘Spiders’

The Truth Behind Mars' Mysterious 'Spiders' — This image shows features known as “spiders” near Mars’ south pole. (ESA/TGO/CaSSIS via SWNS)

These spider-like formations appear when the spring sun warms layers of carbon dioxide that have accumulated over the Martian winter. This warming causes the carbon dioxide at the bottom of the layer to sublimate directly from solid to gas, creating pressure that eventually bursts through the ice.

How Mars’ Geysers Create Spider Patterns

NASA's Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover — NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover, a mobile robot for investigating Mars’ past or present ability to sustain microbial life. By NASA/JPL-Caltech – http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/multimedia/pia15791.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22929212

The gas, carrying dark Martian dust, erupts through the ice in geyser-like fountains. As the material falls back to the surface, it creates dark spots, ranging in size from 45 meters to 1 kilometer. These spots often align in tendril-like patterns, forming the spider-like appearance seen in the images.

The Martian Region Home to These ‘Spiders’

The ‘spiders’ are prominently found near Mars’ southern pole, in a region nicknamed Inca City. The geometric network of ridges in this area, reminiscent of ancient Incan ruins, adds another layer of mystery to these formations, even though they are naturally occurring.

ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter Provides Unprecedented Detail

One of our neighbouring planets, Mars. Image via Unsplash

The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, another of ESA’s missions, has captured detailed images of these spidery formations. It offers a unique view of both the dark spots on Mars’ surface and the intricate, web-like channels carved into the ice below, providing scientists with a clearer understanding of this phenomenon.

Mars Express Continues to Unveil Martian Secrets

volcano on Mars — A composite Viking orbiter image of Olympus Mons on Mars, the tallest known volcano and mountain in the Solar System. By Image by NASA, modifications by Seddon – Edited version of File:Olympus Mons.jpg originally from http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/photo_gallery/photogallery-mars.html#features., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5551353

Since its launch, Mars Express has provided invaluable data about the Red Planet, from surface imaging to mineral mapping and atmospheric analysis. Its continuous exploration of Mars is key to understanding these mysterious formations and many other Martian phenomena.

The Importance of Studying Martian ‘Spiders’

Understanding these formations is more than just satisfying curiosity. It provides insight into the seasonal and atmospheric processes of Mars, which is crucial as we continue to explore the possibility of life and human colonization on the Red Planet.

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Linnea H, BSc Sociology

Author at Animals Around The Globe. BSc Sociology

Linnea is a born and bred Swede but spends as much time as possible in Cape Town, South Africa. This is mainly due to Cape Town’s extraordinary scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere (in other words, because Cape Town is heaven on earth.) That being said, Sweden’s majestic forests forever hold a special place in her heart. Linnea spends as much time as she can close to the ocean collecting sea shells or in the park admiring puppies.

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