Researchers calculate size of particles in Martian clouds of CO2 snow
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 - 05:30
in Astronomy & Space
In the dead of a Martian winter, clouds of snow blanket the Red Planets poles but unlike our water-based snow, the particles on Mars are frozen crystals of carbon dioxide. Most of the Martian atmosphere is composed of carbon dioxide, and in the winter, the poles get so cold cold enough to freeze alcohol that the gas condenses, forming tiny particles of snow.