Read, Watch or Listen

NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter has captured stunning images of Arsia Mons, a massive Martian volcano twice the height of Earth's Mauna Loa. The images, taken by the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), showcase the volcano's cloud formations, particularly prominent during Mars' aphelion (farthest point from the sun). Studying these clouds helps scientists understand Martian weather patterns and improve future landing missions. THEMIS also provides infrared imagery revealing subsurface water ice, crucial for future human exploration.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.