NASA captured a new image of Arsia Mons, one of the largest volcanoes on Mars, covered by a dense mist of water ice clouds.
The photograph, taken by the Mars Odyssey probe before dawn on May 2, shows how the Martian climate changes with the seasons and provides key clues for future missions.
What does the image taken by NASA show?
The THEMIS camera on Mars Odyssey recorded a unique scene: a green haze covering the summit of Arsia Mons during the aphelion season.
This phenomenon occurs when Mars is at the farthest point in its orbit, and the air cools as it rises up the volcanic slopes. This generates icy clouds that envelop the landscape like an ancient veil.
A structure that helps to understand Mars's climate
Arsia Mons is part of the Tharsis volcano system and rises about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) above the Martian surface. According to NASA, it is the cloudiest in the region, which suggests more intense atmospheric activity.
Recording these clouds helps to study seasonal changes and understand how the atmosphere behaves at different times of the year. That information is key for planning crewed missions.
