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AssetID: 36166197

Headline: ESA Space Orbiter Image Showcase Includes Spider-Like Pattern Spotted On Mars

Caption: PICTURE SHOWS: This remarkable spider-like image was taken in the Terra Sabaea region of Mars, west of Augakuh Vallis, by the Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) onboard the ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. This mysterious pattern sits on the crest of a ridge, and is thought to be the result of dust devil activity – essentially the convergence of hundreds or maybe even thousands of smaller martian tornadoes. This image is a colour-composite representation where features that are bluer compared to the average colour of Mars are shown in bright blue hues. In actual colour, the streaks would appear dark red. Dust devils churn up the surface material, exposing fresher material below. The reason why the streaks are so concentrated on the ridges is not known at present, but a relationship to orographic lift as masses of carbon dioxide air flow uphill and converge with other air masses is one possibility. The image was taken on 8 February 2019. ..... STORY COPY: Spiders on Mars? A giant blue hairy spider-like shape features in a showcase of images from the ESA-Roscosmos Trace Gas Orbiter. Curious surface features, water-formed minerals, and even a sighting of the InSight lander showcase the impressive range of imaging capabilities of the craft. The ESA-Roscosmos Trace Gas Orbiter, or TGO, launched three years ago today, on 14 March 2016. It arrived at Mars on 19 October that year, and spent over a year demonstrating the aerobraking technique needed to reach its science orbit, starting its prime mission at the end of April 2018.

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