PASADENA, Calif. 2025-07-06
Mars mysteries abound
Strange Martian formations and a veteran orbiter’s new skills keep scientists guessing.
- A NASA orbiter, MRO, is testing new capabilities after 20 years in space.
- Images from Mars reveal peculiar landscape features that resemble trees.
- Scientists are using MRO to search for water and understand Mars’ climate.
Have you ever looked at a photo and seen something that wasn’t quite there? That’s happening on Mars! **What looks like trees in a photo of Mars is actually an optical illusion created by formations in the Martian landscape.** And that’s not the only fascinating thing happening on the Red Planet.
A forest on Mars?
Images from Mars have revealed an unusual sight: dark formations scattered across the landscape that, from a distance, resemble trees. These aren’t actual trees, of course, as Mars is far too cold and dry to support forests. So what are they?
These dark shapes are likely caused by seasonal changes. As the Martian surface warms, carbon dioxide ice turns into gas. This process can trigger landslides of dark sand, creating the illusion of trees with dark trunks and sparse branches.
MRO gets an upgrade
Meanwhile, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) is still going strong after nearly two decades in space. Managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), this spacecraft is learning new tricks to enhance its scientific capabilities.
The MRO team is testing a new capability to measure the delay of radio waves as they pass through the Martian atmosphere. This will help scientists study the distribution of electrons, gaining insights into the planet’s upper atmosphere and its interaction with the solar wind.
Digging for water
One of MRO’s primary missions is to search for water on Mars. Scientists believe that understanding the distribution of water, even in the form of ice, is crucial for understanding Mars’ climate history and potential for past or present life.
By analyzing radar signals bouncing off the Martian surface, MRO can identify subsurface ice deposits. These findings are essential for future missions that may seek to utilize Martian water resources.
New moves
After almost 20 years, the spacecraft is testing a new method of gyroless attitude control. It uses the spacecraft’s thrusters with information from its star tracker camera. Engineers are also working to enhance the spacecraft’s onboard computer, a BAE RAD750 single-board computer, to make it more resistant to radiation.
These upgrades ensure that MRO can continue its mission for years to come, providing valuable data about the Red Planet.
More to explore
The mysteries of the Martian landscape and the ongoing efforts to understand the planet’s climate and resources highlight the importance of continued exploration. From the “trees” to the search for water, Mars continues to captivate and inspire.
