NASA’s European Space Agency (ESA) has released a breathtaking new satellite image of Mars’ surface, showcasing the planet’s unique swirling colors and intriguing geological features. The high-resolution camera on ESA’s Mars Express orbiter captured Arcadia Planitia, an area of interest due to its potential for hosting water ice close to the surface.
The image reveals a striking Rothko-like effect, with yellows, oranges, and browns dominating the Martian landscape. However, what appears purple is actually purplish-brown terrain with high concentrations of silicates and low iron content. The difference in colors stems from properties of the sand, such as density and size.
A 9-mile-wide impact crater sits in the bottom right corner of the photo, formed when ground encompassed notable amounts of water ice during impact. The crater’s lack of erosion dates it to relatively recently on the geological timeline.
In addition to the crater, four dust devils can be seen making their way across the region, as well as ridges called “yardangs” that are formed by wind erosion. A reddish area at the top of the photo is caused by gusts of air picking up and carrying tiny particles of debris.
The image is surprisingly clear, despite a minor visual haze created by the wind on Mars. The Martian atmosphere picks up debris from the surface, causing a minor visual distortion.
Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/mars/why-does-mars-look-purple-yellow-and-orange-in-esas-stunning-new-satellite-image