NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter captured a rare image of Arsia Mons, one of Mars' largest volcanoes, peeking through clouds at dawn. Standing over 12 miles high, Arsia Mons is often shrouded in water ice clouds, especially during aphelion. This image, taken on June 6th, 2025, provides a unique perspective, showing the volcano's peak and the surrounding aphelion cloud belt. The image is significant because it's the first time one of the Tharsis volcanoes has been captured on the horizon, offering a view similar to what astronauts see from the ISS. Studying Arsia Mons' cloud formations helps scientists understand Martian weather patterns.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.