The occurrence of seasons on the planets in our solar system is due to their tilt in their orbits, resulting in one hemisphere receiving more sunlight at certain times of the year. However, another factor that impacts weather and conditions on planets is their position in their orbit around the sun. Unlike Earth, which has a mostly circular orbit, Mars has an eccentric or oval-shaped orbit, leading to variations in conditions based on its proximity to the sun.
NASA recently released two images of Mars taken by the MAVEN spacecraft, showcasing the planet at its closest and furthest points from the sun. These images were captured six months apart in July 2022 and January 2023, highlighting the changes in Mars’ environment due to both the season and its orbit.
The first image represents the summer season in Mars’ southern hemisphere when the planet is closest to the sun. It was captured by MAVEN’s Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph (IUVS) instrument, operating in the ultraviolet wavelength. To visualize the image, the instrument’s values are transformed into the visible light range. This process enhances significant features like atmospheric ozone, which appears purple. Additionally, it explains why certain areas of the planet’s surface appear green, even though Mars is commonly red or orange in visible light photographs. The image also reveals the shrinking of the southern polar ice cap due to the relatively warm summer climate.
The second image showcases Mars’ northern hemisphere when the planet is farthest from the sun. A prominent purple ozone cap is visible across the entire north pole. This ozone layer forms during the winter months when sunlight breaks down atmospheric carbon dioxide. In spring, the ozone reacts with water vapor and dissipates. MAVEN’s research focuses on studying Mars’ atmosphere and weather, investigating phenomena such as the absorption of water vapor from polar ice caps during the summer and its interaction with dust storms occurring periodically.
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