Mars Express captures metallic-looking frost waves on crater floor

ESA's Mars Express probe, operating continuously for 23 years, has photographed the Kaiser impact crater on Mars, where sand dunes appear to be covered in shiny golden armour. The effect is caused by seasonal frost made of frozen carbon dioxide settling on dark volcanic sand during Martian winters. The stark contrast between light-absorbing dark sand and light-reflecting bright frost creates a spectacular metallic landscape.

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🔬 Science Mars Express Photographs Dozens of Dust Devils in Mamers Valles Universe Today · 29d ago 🔬 Science Mars Express captures metallic-looking waves inside an ancient Martian crater Universe Today · 1d ago 🔬 Science Mars' "metallic" dunes are dark sand dusted with dry-ice frost, ESA reveals Space.com · 8d ago

More on this topic

🔬 Science Mars Express Photographs Dozens of Dust Devils in Mamers Valles Universe Today · 29d ago 🔬 Science Mars Express captures metallic-looking waves inside an ancient Martian crater Universe Today · 1d ago 🔬 Science Mars' "metallic" dunes are dark sand dusted with dry-ice frost, ESA reveals Space.com · 8d ago