NASA’s Orbiter Reveals Odd, Almost Perfectly Circular Dunes on Mars

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Here’s the scoop!

• Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spots large, gray, almost perfectly circular sand dunes on Mars.
• The unusual dune shape indicates variable winds on Mars, and this observation is part of a series to monitor frost thawing at the end of Martian winter.
• The orbiter has previously discovered other intriguing features, such as frosty talons and a bear-like face on the planet’s surface.

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NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has recently observed a peculiar phenomenon on the Martian surface: large, gray sand dunes that are almost perfectly circular. This unusual shape, as explained by the space agency, is a rare sight, with the dunes being slightly asymmetrical and having steep slip faces on their southern ends.

This feature suggests that the sand typically moves southward, but the winds on Mars could be variable.

The obiter’s mission includes studying the thawing of frost at the end of the Martian winter, and this discovery is part of a series of images taken for that purpose. This particular observation seems to be free of frost.

Previously, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has captured and shared other remarkable images, such as frosty talons and a geological formation resembling a bear’s face.

Since 2006, the orbiter has been providing invaluable insights into Mars’ geology and contributing significantly to our understanding of the Red Planet.

Source: goodnewsnetwork.org