Mars Blows Its Top: New Study Reveals Red Planet's Surprisingly Ferocious Winds

Mars Weather Data Reveals Red Planet's Hidden Fury A groundbreaking study published this week in Science Advances has shed new light on the Martian weather system, revealing that winds on the Red Planet blow at speeds of up to 99 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour). The research, led by Valentin Bickel, a researcher at the University of Bern in Switzerland, combined 20 years' worth of data from two orbiters circling Mars. The study analyzed 1,039 dust devils, swirling columns of dust that make the normally invisible wind visible. By measuring their speed and direction, scientists were able to map the winds across Mars' surface for the first time. "Dust devils make the wind visible," Bickel explained in a statement. "By measuring their speed and direction, we have started mapping the wind all over Mars' surface." The data was collected by the European Space Agency's (ESA) Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter spacecraft. The findings challenge previous estimates of Martian winds, which were thought to be much slower. Bickel's team used a combination of images and data from the orbiters to track the dust devils' movement across different regions of Mars. "This was impossible before because we didn't have enough data," Bickel said. The study has significant implications for future Mars missions, which will need to take into account the planet's harsh weather conditions. NASA's Perseverance rover, currently exploring Jezero Crater, is equipped with instruments designed to withstand Martian dust storms. Dr. Maria Zuber, a planetary scientist at MIT and member of the Mars Exploration Program Advisory Group, noted that the study highlights the importance of continued exploration of Mars. "This research demonstrates the value of long-term data collection on another planet," she said. "It's essential for understanding the complexities of Martian weather and its impact on future missions." The findings also have broader implications for our understanding of planetary atmospheres. "Mars is a fascinating case study because it has a thin atmosphere, which makes it an ideal laboratory to study atmospheric dynamics," said Dr. Mark Lemmon, a planetary scientist at Arizona State University. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of Mars' weather system, they are also gaining insights into the planet's geological history. "The data collected by these orbiters is helping us understand how Mars evolved over time," Bickel said. The study's results will be used to inform future missions and improve our understanding of Martian weather patterns. As researchers continue to explore the Red Planet, they are uncovering new secrets about its complex and dynamic atmosphere. Background: NASA's twin Viking orbiters captured images of dust devils on Mars nearly 50 years ago, but it wasn't until the launch of the ESA's Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter that scientists had a comprehensive dataset to analyze. The study published this week in Science Advances is the result of combining data from these two orbiters over a period of 20 years. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Zuber noted that future missions will need to take into account the planet's harsh weather conditions, including dust storms and strong winds. Dr. Lemmon highlighted the importance of studying Martian atmospheric dynamics, which can provide insights into the planet's geological history. Current Status and Next Developments: The study published this week in Science Advances is a significant step forward in understanding Mars' weather system. As researchers continue to analyze the data collected by the ESA's orbiters, they are gaining new insights into the Red Planet's complex atmosphere. Future missions will need to take into account these findings, which will help improve our understanding of Martian weather patterns and inform future exploration efforts. *Reporting by Gizmodo.*