1,000 Martian dust devils! European orbiters track Red Planet's tiny tornadoes

image via Space.com

October 8, 2025, 6:01 PM

• •Dust devils on Mars move faster than previously thought, reaching speeds up to 98 mph.
• •Researchers used ESA orbiter images to track over 1,000 dust devils.
• •The study helps in planning future Mars missions by understanding dust's impact.
• •Scientists are mapping wind patterns and improving weather forecasts on Mars.

A new study reveals that Martian dust devils can reach speeds up to 98 mph, much faster than previously measured. Researchers analyzed two decades of images from ESA orbiters to track over 1,000 dust devils, finding they are most frequent during the spring and summer. This data could help scientists plan future Mars missions by accounting for the dust's impact on rovers and landing sites. By analyzing the movement of these dust devils, scientists are gaining a better understanding of wind conditions and weather patterns on Mars.

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