When this phenomenon first appeared, the photos caused a sensation. After all, the Martian soil appeared to be “infested” with giant spiders. However, these spidery shapes have an explanation. So, what are these supposed “spiders”?
April rains bring May flowers to Earth and "spiders" to Mars
Tiny, seasonal, spider-like specks have been discovered sprouting from cracks on the surface of Mars.
The European Space Agency's Mars Express rover has captured new images of small dark spots resembling spiders moving around the Martian region known as the Inca City, near the red planet's south pole.
this This phenomenon arises when spring sunlight heats layers of carbon dioxide deposited during the dark winter Martian.
In turn, the carbon dioxide ice in the lower layer turns into a gas, which builds up and eventually ruptures the overlying ice up to a meter thick, according to one of the researchers. ESA statement.
The escaping gas carries dark dust from the underlying soil upwards, forcing it to explode from the upper layers of ice like water from a geyser before settling to the surface. This creates Fractured, sandy formations ranging in diameter from 45 m to 1 km.
Inca ruins on Earth are reflected in Martian soil
The Inca city of Mars, officially known as Angostos MazeIt displays an almost geometric linear grid of pinnacles like Inca monuments on the ground. It is part of a circular feature about 86 km wide, suggesting it may be a ridged impact crater formed by lava rising through the fractured Martian crust and eroding over time.
We still don't know exactly how the Inca city was formed. It is possible that the sand dunes turned to stone over time. Materials such as magma or sand may seep through broken plates of Martian rock. Or the hills may be meandering structures associated with glaciers.
ESA officials say in the statement.
So, if you're looking at Mars and "something familiar jumps out at you," trust me, it's pure coincidence and an optical illusion.
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