Size of particles in Martian clouds of carbon dioxide snow calculated
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 - 12:00
in Astronomy & Space
New research shows that, much like Earth, the polar caps of Mars change with the seasons. In the dead of a Martian winter, clouds of snow blanket the Red Planet's 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.