Curiosity rover captures our first clear view of Martian sunbeams

NASA’s Perseverance rover is likely to be on the market on Mars since 2021, collecting rock samples and finding hints of water, however that does not imply its predecessor has already retired from its explorations. In reality, the Curiosity rover has been observing Martian clouds throughout twilight to construct upon its previous survey on night-shining clouds. And on February 2nd, Curiosity captured a rare sight on digital camera, making it the primary time we have seen crepuscular rays (or “solar rays”) this clearly from the Martian floor.

The clouds within the photograph above are situated at a better altitude than most Martian clouds, which sit round 37 miles above the bottom and are fabricated from water ice. For the reason that clouds within the photograph are increased up the place it is particularly chilly, NASA thinks they’re fabricated from frozen carbon dioxide — or dry ice, as we name it — as a substitute. They company says that observing clouds on Mars may help scientists be taught extra in regards to the planet’s atmospheric situations, temperatures and winds. 

For this explicit survey, which began in January and can conclude mid-March, Curiosity principally makes use of its coloured Mast Digital camera or Mastcam. The tools permits the rover to take pictures that will present scientists how cloud particles glow over time. To create the panorama you see above, NASA stitched collectively 28 pictures taken by the Mastcam. In 2021, although, Curiosity principally relied on its black-and-white navigation cameras that offered us an in depth take a look at clouds’ construction as they transfer. 

Along with our first clear view of the Martian solar rays, the rover has additionally taken photographs of different fascinating cloud formations because the present survey started. One picture from January twenty seventh (under) exhibits an iridescent cloud that is formed like a feather. Apparently, the colour transitions led to by iridescence inform scientists how the cloud is evolving and about how its particle dimension is altering throughout the construction.