On Mars, meteorites can cause miles-long dust slides
Mars receives its share of cosmic collisions. With less than one percent of Earth’s atmosphere, some meteoroids don’t burn up entirely before reaching the surface of the Red Planet. When they do, they can cause dramatic changes to the barren Martian landscape that stretches for miles. In the future, they might even pose problems for human explorers.
The results of these events are detailed in a study published November 6 in the journal Natural communications by researchers from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Swiss University of Bern. Planetary scientist Valentin Bickel used deep learning algorithms to identify and analyze images of more than two million slope trails, areas where the upper layers of fine dust from Mars have been displaced. Given the lack of water on the planet, Bickel and his colleagues hypothesize that wind is responsible for the vast majority of these feather trails.
However, about one in 1,000 slope trails is caused by visitors from space. One such example was documented on Christmas Eve 2023 by ESA’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. In a photo taken by the orbiter’s onboard color and stereo surface imaging system, a group of disappearing impact craters is visible near the base of Apollinaris Mons, an ancient shield volcano near Mars’ equator. The results of the meteoroid’s powerful impacts are found above the crate – a roughly 2.3-square-mile area of ​​discolored slope streaks. This is an impressive discovery considering their relative rarity.
“Dust, wind and sand dynamics appear to be the main seasonal drivers of slope streak formation,” Bickel said in a statement. “Meteorite impacts and earthquakes appear to be locally distinct factors, but relatively insignificant overall. »
Additional data helped Bickel and his colleagues determine meteorite impacts and streak formations that likely occurred between 2013 and 2017. Although they can be found around the planet, the new survey identified five distinct, still-visible hotspots that likely formed between 2006 and 2024.
“Obtaining long-term, continuous, global-scale observations that reveal a dynamic Mars is a key goal of current and future orbiters,” added Colin Wilson, ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter project scientist.
This valuable information doesn’t just help Martian satellites. Every potential hazard and variable must be considered before humans set foot on the Red Planet. Meteorite impacts are rare, but their consequences could still be considerable.
“These observations could provide a better understanding of what is happening on Mars today,” Wilson added.
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