NASA's new satellite images reveal frozen 'kidney beans' on Mars, which may hold clues to water and life

Frozen sand dunes in Mars' northern hemisphere remain stationary, waiting for the spring thaw to melt their icy layers. (Image: NASA)

NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) recently captured an intriguing image of Mars' northern hemisphere, where frozen sand dunes appear like kidney beans. While they may look edible, these formations are actually layers of frost on Martian dunes. The image was taken in September 2022 and released in December 2024.

Frozen Dunes Freeze in Time

The dunes in the photo are motionless. On Earth, dunes are constantly shifting, with winds moving sand grains. However, the carbon dioxide frost on Mars' dunes prevents this movement. During Mars' northern winter, the frost forms a shield, halting wind from scooping up sand. This explains why the dunes seem frozen in place until spring.

Scientists are studying frost-covered dunes to learn about Mars' past. While the frost is made of carbon dioxide, not water, it holds clues to the planet's history. Mars' tilt causes carbon dioxide ice to turn into gas over time. This could have thickened the atmosphere, possibly allowing liquid water to exist long enough to support life.

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The changing seasons on Mars, driven by the planet’s axial tilt, impact the carbon dioxide frost. By understanding how this frost behaves, scientists can predict the planet's past climate and assess the possibility of water. This research could reveal whether Mars had stable conditions for microbial life.

Could Mars Have Supported Life?

The presence of liquid water is a key indicator for life. If past climates on Mars supported stable water, the planet might have once harboured microbial life. Scientists continue to search for further signs of life, which could still be hidden beneath the surface.

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As they study the seasonal changes of carbon dioxide frost, researchers hope to unlock more of Mars' climatic history. These insights are crucial to understanding the potential for life beyond Earth.