Mars’s harsh, dusty environment is shaped by powerful winds capable of lifting tons of reddish dust into the thin atmosphere. These gusts often manifest as swirling dust devils, significantly influencing the planet’s climate. Despite Mars’s reputation for dryness, recent research reveals that near-surface winds are more intense than previously believed, actively contributing to dust storms that can last for days.

Using advanced deep learning techniques on stereo images captured by the CaSSIS camera on the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter and the HRSC camera aboard Mars Express, researcher Valentin Bickel and his team tracked dust devil movements with unprecedented precision. These observations help estimate wind speeds and their ability to lift dust, shedding light on the planet’s atmospheric dynamics. According to Bickel, “Our findings indicate that strong winds are more common and carry more dust than earlier models suggested,” emphasizing their role in shaping Martian weather and climate.

Experts highlight that understanding these wind patterns is crucial for future exploration and climate modeling. As researchers continue to analyze data, they aim to improve predictions of dust storms, which pose significant challenges for both robotic and human missions to Mars.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.