{
  "id": 9551452,
  "title": "The red planet shows strange swirls of purple and pink",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/the-red-planet-shows-strange-swirls-of-purple-and-pink",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-24T11:28:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "EarthSky",
    "slug": "earthsky",
    "url": "https://earthsky.org/todays-image/red-planet-mars-purple-and-pink/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mars is renowned for its distinctive red hue, stemming from iron oxide, or rust, on its surface. However, a recent image from the Mars Express orbiter has unveiled a more colorful side to the red planet. This view, captured near the south pole, reveals a ridge called Thyles Rupes, adorned with shades of purple and pink. The unusual colors are a result of a combination of factors including light, dust, and frost covering the Martian terrain. The springtime image, taken under morning light, is influenced by a rosy filter, airborne dust particles, and patches of ice and frost, all contributing to the berry-purple appearance. Darker areas in the image are due to volcanic materials like olivine and pyroxene, while lighter tones are from carbon dioxide frost. The whitish areas at the bottom left represent a glacier part of the south polar ice cap. The Thyles Rupes region, situated in the southern highlands of Mars, is characterized by massive cliffs that likely formed due to ancient tectonic activity. Mars, now devoid of active tectonics, experienced this deformation billions of years ago. The image also showcases sand dunes shaped by winds, reminiscent of Earth's satellite images.",
  "summary": "Mars Express captured this view of the red planet showing it in less familiar purple, pink and blue shades. Read why the red planet looks purplish. The post The red planet shows strange swirls of purple and pink first appeared on EarthSky .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}