NASA’s Perseverance rover captured a remarkable footage of two dust devils merging into one giant storm on the western rim of Jezero Crater. The strong dust devil consumed the smaller storm, highlighting the dynamic nature of Martian weather patterns.
According to Mark Lemmon, a scientist at the Space Science Institute, convective vortices or dust devils can be intense and wander across the surface of Mars, picking up dust and reducing visibility in their path. When two dust devils encounter each other, they often merge, with the stronger one taking over.
The Perseverance rover was 0.6 miles away from the merging storms, which were approximately 16 feet wide and 210 feet wide respectively. The rover’s navigation camera captured stunning footage of the event, providing valuable insights into Martian atmospheric conditions.
Dust devils play a significant role in shaping Martian weather patterns, with their study offering clues about wind directions, speeds, and dust composition. As Katie Stack Morgan, project scientist for the Perseverance rover, explained, these phenomena indicate important aspects of Mars’ atmosphere.
The footage also reveals how frequently dust storms occur on Mars, with multiple devils visible in the background. The event showcases the fascinating and dynamic nature of Martian weather patterns, highlighting the importance of continued exploration and research.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/mars-rovers/nasas-perseverance-rover-watches-as-2-mars-dust-devils-merge-into-1-video