APOD: 2026 November 2 – A Long Cloud on Mars
The post APOD: 2026 November 2 – A Long Cloud on Mars appeared first on NASA Science .
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day showcases an unusual cloud phenomenon on Mars called the Arsia Mons Elongated Cloud (AMEC). First observed by NASA's Viking Orbiter 2 in 1977, this mysterious cloud has been captured in greater detail by ESA's Mars Express spacecraft in recent years. The AMEC image featured today is from 2018.
The cloud only materializes during the spring and summer seasons, appearing only in the morning hours. Predominantly composed of water-ice, the typical process responsible for cloud crystal formation, involving dust particles, would be ineffective due to the thin Martian atmosphere and its scarcity of dust high up. Scientists theorize that dust is not the primary factor in cloud formation for the AMEC.
Once the cloud forms near the volcano Arsia Mons, winds carry it downstream, resulting in a tail that can stretch over 1500 kilometers. Understanding the AMEC will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of cloud formation on Earth.
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- APOD: 2026 November 2 – A Long Cloud on Mars science.nasa.gov
