The European Space Agency (ESA) has published a photograph from Mars, which depicts "dust devils" - strong dust whirlwinds.

The photo was taken using the CaSSIS camera on board the Trace Gas Orbiter. This space device operates within the framework of the joint program of ESA and Roscosmos for the exploration of Mars (ExoMars).

The presented image shows one of about 30 "chaotic relief" zones. This term refers to groups of stones of various shapes and sizes, ridges, flat-topped hills, as well as conical mounds randomly located on the surface of the planet.

The bluish color, in turn, highlights traces of dust swirls, thanks to the use of three filters when creating the image. "Dust devils" left traces that are oriented from north to south. This allows you to determine the prevailing wind directions.

The Trace Gas Orbiter was launched in 2016 and began its science mission in 2018. The main task of the apparatus is to explain the origin of methane and other gases in the atmosphere of Mars, which may indicate biological activity. It can send images, monitor gas flows, and pinpoint where water might be.

Previously, TGO discovered a crater that looked like a stump from above.

bbabo.Net