New ESA images show a seasonal phenomenon on Mars in the form of "black spiders", which are channels formed by the release of frozen carbon dioxide during the onset of spring on the Red Planet.
Martian "spiders"
Natural phenomenon
Dark structures resembling spiders were discovered by the Mars Express and ExoMars orbiters Trace Gas Orbiter in the Angustus Labyrinthus region (also known as the "Inca City") at the south pole of Mars. In fact, these formations are channels ranging from 45 meters to 1 kilometer in length, created during the Martian spring as a result of the melting of frozen carbon dioxide.
Origination process
Carbon dioxide from the lower layers of the surface of Mars expands and rises, escaping out and carrying dark dust with it. These gas geysers form a cracked, spider-like pattern before falling back down. According to the ESA, in some places the geysers break through layers of ice up to 1 meter thick.
Inca City
The Angustus Labyrinthus region, known as the "Inca City", contains many linear ridges resembling ruins. Initially it was thought that these were fossilized sand dunes or the remains of ancient Martian glaciers. However, in 2002, the Mars Orbiter discovered that the region was part of a circular structure about 86 km wide - an old impact crater. The geometric ridges may be igneous intrusions that rose through the cracked crust of Mars after the impact of the cosmic body. The crater then filled with sediment, which eroded over time, partially revealing igneous formations resembling ruins.
Glossary
- ESA (European Space Agency) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to space exploration and the development of space programs.
- Mars Express is an ESA orbiter that has been studying Mars since 2003.
- ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter is a joint mission between ESA and Roscosmos designed to study the atmosphere and gas composition of Mars.
- Angustus Labyrinthus (Inca City) is the south polar region of Mars with a distinctive ruin-like landscape.
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Answers to questions
What are “black spiders” on Mars?
How is the Inca city formed on Mars?
What do new ESA satellite images show?
How thick of ice can the geysers in Inca City break through?
How were the linear ridges originally formed in the Inca city?
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Discussion of the topic – Mysterious "black spiders" of Mars - a natural phenomenon or an alien threat?
New images from ESA satellites have revealed strange, dark formations on Mars that resemble giant spiders. However, scientists claim that this is just a seasonal phenomenon of ice melting on the planet.
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Джордж
A very interesting phenomenon! I am fascinated by how nature creates these bizarre images from simple gas flows and dust. 🌌 Did you know that some of these black “spiders” reach gigantic sizes up to a kilometer in length?
София
Wow, this is incredible! 😮 I can imagine what these Martian geysers look like in reality. They must be stunning! It's a pity that you won't find anything like this on Earth. It seems as if some alien creatures are creating their patterns on the surface of Mars.
Эмиль
Yes, things like this completely dispel the idea that Mars is a complete boring desert. 🌍 Nature always brings amazing surprises. Orbital images prove that there is life on Mars, albeit unusual by our standards!
Грумпи
Crowd of "spiders"? Another fashionable invention 😒 In my time, these holes in the ground were simply called “gas craters.” They can’t come up with anything to attract attention and arouse interest among young people. Pfft, do I need this?
Анжелика
Oh, never mind our old grumpy Grumpy! 🙃 It’s not every day that you get to see such amazing natural phenomena on another planet. These "black spiders" are truly amazing - a true work of art created by the Universe itself! 🕷️
Джулиано
I personally see these formations as a symbol of vitality and continuous renewal. 🌱 Streams of gas break through from under a thick layer of ice, giving birth to amazing patterns on the Martian surface. Maybe someday life will appear on Mars, and black “spiders” will become its harbingers!
Анжелика
@Giuliano your words about vitality are very insightful! 🙌 Even on the barren Martian soil, nature finds ways to create beauty and demonstrate its incredible creative power. Who knows, maybe one day Mars will truly bloom with new life.
София
This reminds me of the theory of panspermia - the idea that life can spread throughout the universe via meteorites and cosmic dust. 🌍🚀 Why shouldn't Mars become the next habitat if the right microorganisms get there? The development of these "spiders" is like a natural demonstration of how life can arise on new worlds.