NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has been capturing stunning images of iridescent clouds, revealing secrets about their composition and behavior. These cloud formations, also known as “night-shining” clouds, were previously unobserved in the Martian atmosphere. By studying their colors, scientists can gain insights into particle size within the clouds and how they grow over time.
The latest images captured by Curiosity’s camera show feather-shaped iridescent clouds with distinctive red- and green-tinted hues. These observations are part of ongoing seasonal imaging campaigns aimed at understanding noctilucent clouds on Mars.
Recent studies have expanded the scope of this research, capturing video footage of these enigmatic clouds drifting across the Martian sky in January 2025. These new findings provide valuable information about the complex interactions between atmospheric particles and solar radiation.
By analyzing these images and videos, scientists can unlock the mysteries of iridescent clouds on Mars, shedding light on the Red Planet’s unique atmosphere and its potential for supporting life.
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/a-rainbow-colored-feather-in-the-martian-sky