Posted by u/htmanelski m o d
“NASA’s Curiosity Rover Captures Shining Clouds on Mars”
This gif of clouds drifting over Mount Sharp was taken by the Curiosity Rover’s navigation camera on March 28th, 2021 (5.4°S 137.8°E). Cloudy days are rare on Mars but can happen anytime throughout the year – especially during winter. These are “noctilucent” (Latin for “night shining”) clouds; they owe their brightness to ice crystals which catch the sunlight as it fades over the horizon. Although faint, these clouds could be seen by the naked eye to an observer on the Martian surface.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Geohack link: geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Gale_(crater)¶ms=5.4_S_137.8_E_globe:Mars_type:landmark