Astronomers trying to explain the emergence of high-rise "clouds" on Mars

Despite the fact that Mars is now exploring several spacecraft, including the rovers and orbiting probe questions to this planet far far more questions than answers. One of the mysteries - a big cloud over the southern latitudes of Mars, which is at an altitude of 250 kilometers in 11 days, starting from 12 March 2012. This phenomenon first discovered by amateur astronomers . The width of the "cloud" then was about 1,000 kilometers, and every day objects change shape and dimensions changed.

The cloud was observed for 11 days. Observations of 2 April of the same year revealed no clouds. But the photographs of April 6, was found a similar object, which lasted about 10 days. Now a team of scientists, astronomers decided to find an explanation for this phenomenon. But it was not so easy.



Scientists have found archival images, and began to examine them, trying to find a solution to a scientific problem. It is worth noting that the photos were obtained by various amateur astronomers at their disposal were not the most powerful telescopes. The scientists studied and pictures from Hubble, and found about the same formation on Mars, the photographs of 1997.

What could it be?

Theories have been put forward by several, and one of them says that the cloud can actually be the one to look like that. The fact that all of the observed zone in a formation having terminator lines which converge in the day and night. Ученые suggested , that "cloud" - a frozen carbon dioxide and water particles in the upper regions of the atmosphere of Mars.

This explanation has the right to exist, but it does not explain how carbon dioxide and water droplets reached such a height. On Earth, the maximum height of the observed cloud - 80 kilometers. Such clouds are extremely rare, and appear in the polar regions.

As for Mars, where it is difficult to say anything.

Northern Lights

Yes, there is such a theory. The author believes that "cloud" - a northern lights, which arose in the southern latitudes of Mars under the influence of two factors: the local magnetic anomalies and the action of the sun. However, if this is so, then the northern lights on Mars should be 1,000 times brighter than the northern lights in the world. In addition, the solar flare must be very strong, and in 2012 there was no such thing.

So what is it?



Scientists do not yet know. Despite the fact that Mars is like a good idea studied cause of these strange objects is unknown. Someone already joking on the subject of manifestation activities Martians, but that's just a joke.

Now the orbit of Mars, new stations, including American Indian and MAVEN Mangalyaan. These two probes can detect the "cloud" at the very beginning of their birth, since cell phones are studying the Martian atmosphere, and are equipped with all the necessary scientific equipment.

In addition, in 2018 planned to send new rovers, who may also be able to clarify the nature and cause of the high-rise "clouds" on Mars.

Source: geektimes.ru/post/246022/