Martian ‘spiders’ are fascinating spider-shaped features found on Mars, and scientists have been working hard to understand how they form. Recently, a team of researchers at NASA made a groundbreaking discovery by recreating these unique formations in a lab setting.
These spiders, which can reach up to 1 km in size, are believed to be the result of seasonal changes on Mars. During the winter months, carbon dioxide frost accumulates on the surface, only to sublimate and reveal these intricate patterns when spring arrives.
The team at NASA used a specialized chamber called the Dirty Under-vacuum Simulation Testbed for Icy Environments (DUSTIE) to mimic the extreme conditions found on Mars. By chilling Martian soil simulant in a container submerged in a liquid nitrogen bath and adjusting the air pressure to match that of Mars’ southern hemisphere, they were able to recreate the process that leads to the formation of these spider-like features.
The researchers faced many challenges along the way, including finding the right conditions for the ice to become thick and translucent enough for the experiments to be successful. However, their hard work paid off when they observed a plume of carbon dioxide gas erupting from the simulant, confirming their hypothesis.
This groundbreaking study, published in the Planetary Science Journal, sheds light on the formation of these mysterious Martian ‘spiders’ and provides valuable insights into the planet’s dynamic surface processes. By successfully recreating these features in a lab setting, scientists are one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of Mars and understanding the unique geological processes that shape its landscape.