Strange Clouds Spotted in Martian Atmosphere

Strange Clouds Spotted in Martian Atmosphere

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With its thin atmosphere and scant moisture, Mars is often largely cloud-free.

But new observations reveal clouds of dry ice thick enough to cast significant shadows on the red planet.

Dust storms are known to shroud vast swaths of Mars. Clouds have been photographed from the ground before, too.

The new research finds that carbon dioxide, the main component of Martian air, freezes into clouds so dense they dim the sun by about 40 percent.

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Related AboveTopSecret.com Discussion Threads:
Clouds Keep Mars Warm After Dark

This is the first time CO2 clouds have been studied from above. The size and high altitude(50 miles) of the clouds were surprising. They are formed by convection due to large temperature changes that occur daily near the equator. Normally cloud condensation occurs around particles of dust or ice. In this case it is occuring so high they don't know what particles would be up there.

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