APOD: 2026 November 2 – A Long Cloud on Mars
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 November 2 – A… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. A Long […]
On November 2, 2026, the Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) featured an unusual cloud on Mars, known as the Arsia Mons Elongated Cloud (AMEC). This cloud, first discovered by NASA's Viking Orbiter 2 in 1977, has been observed in greater detail by ESA's Mars Express spacecraft. The AMEC is unique because it forms only during the spring and summer seasons, and then only during the morning hours.
Made primarily of water-ice, the typical process for cloud formation wouldn't work in the thin, dust-poor Martian atmosphere. Instead, it's speculated that wind plays a significant role in creating this long cloud. Once formed near the volcano Arsia Mons, the cloud is then carried downstream by the wind, often stretching over 1,500 kilometers.
Understanding this phenomenon could provide valuable insights into cloud formation on Earth as well. The APOD, a service of NASA's Scientific Activation and Michigan Tech., provides a glimpse into our vast universe, one picture at a time.
Written by urgent.news from NASA's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- APOD: 2026 November 2 – A Long Cloud on Mars science.nasa.gov