The agency stated that although these spots may seem small when viewed from space, they are actually quite large. Even the smallest spot measures 145 feet across, while the largest spot can span up to half a mile.
Space agencies continue their exploration missions on Mars, with the European Space Agency (ESA) recently sharing a surprising photo of the planet revealing thousands of spider-like shapes. Does this mean there are spiders roaming on Mars? The photo was captured by ESA’s Mars Express spacecraft in an area on the Martian surface known as Inca City, where these spider-like shapes have been observed.
According to a press release from the European Space Agency (ESA), there is no evidence of Ziggy Stardust near Inca City. However, ESA’s Mars Express has detected traces of spiders in the South Pole region of Mars. The agency clarified that these are not actual spiders but rather small formations that occur during the planet’s winter season. When sunlight hits accumulated carbon dioxide, these formations emerge. As the sunlight penetrates, the trapped carbon dioxide gas beneath the surface expands, causing the ice to crack and release. This ice layer can be as thick as three feet.
Although these spots may appear small from a distance, they are actually quite large. Even the smallest spot measures 145 feet across, while the largest spot can stretch up to half a mile in diameter. According to a report by Newsweek, similar spidery patterns were observed in 2020 by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, which was launched in 2016. This orbiter is tasked with searching for ancient signs of life on Mars.
These dark spots are located in the outer region of an area on Mars known as Inca City, which was first discovered by a NASA spacecraft in 1972. This area, also referred to as Angustus Labyrinthus, lies near the southern polar cap of Mars. The exact formation process of this area remains unknown, though speculations suggest that sand dunes may have solidified into rock over time. The Mars Express spacecraft arrived at Mars in 2003 and has been studying the planet’s atmosphere for two decades, searching for signs of water on its surface. Additionally, it has conducted surface exploration of Mars’ two moons.