Martian Winds Pack more punch Than Previously Believed, New Dust Devil Study Reveals
PASADENA, CA – Winds near the surface of Mars are significantly faster than previously estimated, according to a new analysis of over 1,000 dust devils observed over two decades. The findings, published today in Science Advances, provide a global viewpoint on Martian wind patterns and dust lifting, crucial facts for future robotic and human exploration of the Red Planet.
Researchers analyzed images captured by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (hirise) camera on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, focusing on the shadows cast by 1,039 dust devils between 2004 and 2021. By measuring the length and movement of these shadows, they were able to calculate wind speeds within the dust devils, revealing they frequently exceed 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour) – faster than previously thought. This is a breakthrough, as prior wind measurements relied on a limited number of stationary weather stations.
“Dust is the most variable component of the atmosphere of Mars,” explained Dr. Colin Wilson, a planetary scientist at the ESA and lead author of the study, to IFLScience. “It’s the one we worry about most if we have future exploration missions on the surface, whether it’s a rover, relying on solar panels as the ExoMars rover will, or whether it’s a human mission that will also need solar power for energy. You need to know about dust storms, and this is a rare view at what is causing dust lifting processes and wind at the surface.”
Despite the high speeds, the thin Martian atmosphere – just 1 percent of Earth’s – means these winds wouldn’t knock a human off their feet.However,the dust they lift can have meaningful consequences,including blocking sunlight and contributing to planet-wide storms that have ended missions like NASA’s Opportunity rover in 2019.
The study offers a vital global understanding of Martian wind and dust activity, providing critical data for planning and mitigating risks associated with future missions to Mars.
