How windy is it on Mars? Sand 'megaripples' offer a clue.

  • 📰 NBCNews
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 41 sec. here
  • 2 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 20%
  • Publisher: 86%

United States Headlines News

United States Latest News,United States Headlines

A new study that monitored the subtle movements of huge ripples of sand on the Martian surface suggests that Mars may actually be windier than researchers thought.

“On Mars, these are the last things you would expect to move, because you need really strong wind to displace even regular sand,” Silvestro said, adding that “the atmosphere of Mars is always surprising — it can do what you would not expect for such a faint atmosphere.“

The findings were unexpected, Silvestro said, because megaripples are made up of coarse grains of sand, particularly at the crests of the rippled features. Fine particles of dust can blow around during Martian dust storms, but it was not previously known if the wind on Mars was powerful enough to sculpt megaripples.

The scientists are planning to expand their focus to include other sites on Mars, including one near the planet’s northern polar region. Silvestro said the research could inform future human exploration of the planet, as scientists will need to understand how the Martian climate may affect astronaut crews.

“We haven’t checked if they are active or not, but there are megaripples about 200 kilometers [about 124 miles] from the Perseverance landing site,” he said.

 

Thank you for your comment. Your comment will be published after being reviewed.
Please try again later.

if Mars has no air, how on earth '...Mars may actually be windier...'?

All y’all had to do was ask. I could’ve told you all that.

Sounds like a great place. Screw Earth.

Science.

You telling me the g damn rover that is ON MARS doesnt have a wind gauge?

Climate change.

While I was slowing scrolling up I thought mmm looks like a blue pararkeet’s wing

Well there goes my dream of moving to Mars. Hate the wind 💨

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

 /  🏆 10. in US

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Oakland A's coach says he didn't intend to give apparent Nazi salute after win over Texas RangersAfter the game, Athletics coach Ryan Christenson apologized and said that he didn't intentionally make a Nazi salute. The team also apologized, saying 'We do not support or condone this gesture or the racist sentiment behind it.' Karen's WTF?
Source: USATODAY - 🏆 100. / 63 Read more »

Oakland A's Bench Coach Ryan Christenson Apologizes for Nazi Salute During GameOakland A's bench coach Ryan Christenson says he 'made a mistake' by throwing up a Nazi salute TWICE during Thursday's game against the Rangers ... insisting it was unintentional. At least he is a honest white supremacist 🤷🏾‍♂️ unlike most of them 🤷🏾‍♂️ why do it if you’re gonna apologize for it APOLOGIZES?!!!!! Send his a** to jail.
Source: TMZ - 🏆 379. / 59 Read more »

Kylie Minogue fuels music conspiracy theory after straddling giant horseMany fans have been left convinced Kylie is about to feature on a duet remix with rising pop star Dua Lipa after seemingly sharing a clue with her Say Something music video
Source: Mirror Celeb - 🏆 476. / 51 Read more »

Fans Found Clues Tayshia Adams and Hannah Ann Were Hanging Out *Right* Before 'Bachelorette' FilmingThey're both currently on this truly wild set.
Source: Cosmopolitan - 🏆 725. / 51 Read more »

You can now get $100 back on Dell purchases with the Amex Platinum and Blue Business cards - Business InsiderBusiness Insider is a fast-growing business site with deep financial, media, tech, and other industry verticals. Launched in 2007, the site is now the largest business news site on the web. Do You Want To create 3d construction logo animation video ? Please Contact Me: LogoAnimation Construction logo animation Character Logo Animation top logo animation
Source: BusinessInsider - 🏆 729. / 51 Read more »

Oakland A's bench coach apologizes for using gesture that looks like Nazi saluteAn Oakland A's coach has apologized for using a gesture that looked like a Nazi salute to greet players after a team win. Ryan Christenson said in a team statement that while he didn't intend to use a Nazi salute, he 'made a mistake and will not deny it.' He did it twice.. Perhaps we’re also getting a second wave of snowflakism... Breaking News: The A's are moving to Las Vegas
Source: CNN - 🏆 4. / 95 Read more »