Kathmandu. Isn’t it exciting to see clouds on Mars? But what happens if you see volcanoes rising over these clouds? NASA’s Mars Odyssey Orbiter captured such a unique scene on Mars on May 2. Where the ancient volcano Arsia Mons was seen above the clouds. The image was released on June 6.
Where and what is?
Arsia Mons is a huge volcano located on Mars. Which is an average of 225 million kilometers away from Earth. It is located in a volcanic area called Tharsis Montes, where there are also two other shield volcanoes Pavonis Mons and Escreus Mons. Arcia Mons is 12 miles (20 kilometers) high. Which is twice as high as the earth’s highest peak Mount Everest. However, the tallest volcano on Mars is Olympus Mons.
When and how was it shot?
The Mars Odyssey mission was launched in 2001 with the goal of mapping chemical elements and minerals on the surface of Mars. It completed its primary mission in 2004, but continued to study the surface, clouds, fog, and weather of Mars. Beginning in 2023, the Odyssey began taking high-altitude images of the Martian horizon, such as it did.
On May 2, Odissi captured Arsia Mons just before sunrise. In this picture, the atmosphere of Mars is seen in the form of green smoke. Arcia Mons rises as a dark spot over the clouds. This is the first horizon image of a volcano on Mars.
Camera and technology
This image was taken from a thermal emission imaging system camera. This camera will help map areas of water ice on the surface of Mars, which could be useful in choosing landing sites for the first astronauts to land on Mars in the future.
The Odyssey must rotate 90 degrees in its orbit so that the camera can capture the clouds and see the dust and water ice inside them. This process is difficult because the camera was originally designed for the surface of Mars. However, scientists have adapted it to study clouds.
Importance and usage
Scientists study the atmosphere of Mars to understand the seasonal changes that reflect the evolution of the environment. This information will help predict strong winds and dust storms. Which is important for the entry, climbing and landing of future missions.
Arcia Mons is especially cloudy in the morning. Especially when Mars is farthest from the Sun. Which is called aphelion. During this time, clouds form around the equator, which is called the Apelian cloud belt. In this picture, morning clouds are clearly visible around Arsia Mons.
More information about Arcia Mons
Arsia Mons is a shield volcano. It is located in the Tharsis Montes area. Where volcanic activity forms a cloud of water ice. Arsia Mons is the most cloudy of the three volcanoes. In contrast, carbon dioxide clouds are more prevalent on Mars. The view of Arsia Mons rising above the clouds is not only beautiful but also scientifically important. This will help understand the atmosphere of Mars and its seasons. Which will guide future campaigns. This picture gives a new glimpse of Mars.
