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Whirlwinds on Mars, From the Ground

Posted by timothy on from the close-up dept.

Neil Halelamien writes "Back in 1999, satellite images were photographed of 5-mile-high whirlwinds streaking across the surface of Mars. A couple of months ago the Spirit rover got a close up view of whirlwind tracks, and this past week photographed a whirlwind in action (animation). It's thought that these dust devils may be responsible for the mystery power boost to the rovers' solar cells. Last year the rovers also spotted clouds and frost."

2 of 122 comments (clear)

  1. Re:For the hardcore: by Quiet_Desperation · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Motion of the rovers? I would imagine the lower moisture levels (if any) would make the dust there less sticky. I'd be curious to know if the rovers went through any serious inclines just bfore the power boost. Or if there was any unusually extensie activity of the probe arm and/or drill.

  2. Re:Just thought of one. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Overnight? While parked and sleeping?