Combing through two decades of Mars images, scientists have mapped more than a thousand swirling dust storms to reveal how winds move across the Red Planet. The findings, published in Science Advances, offer a sharper picture of Mars’s weather and could shape how future missions prepare for its dusty challenges.
What did the scientists discover?
Researchers identified 1,039 tornado-like whirlwinds called ‘dust devils’ using data from the European Space Agency’s Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. Led by Valentin Bickel of the University of Bern, the team created the first global catalogue showing where and how these miniature storms travel. Their study found that the strongest Martian winds reach speeds of up to 44 metres per second, far faster than previous estimates.
How were the dust devils tracked?
To spot these fleeting storms, scientists trained a neural network to scan thousands of images taken since 2004. The algorithm detected subtle shifts between separate image channels, which revealed the dust devils’ motion. “Dust devils make the invisible wind visible,” Bickel said, explaining that each movement helped build a map of wind speeds and directions across Mars.
Interestingly, the team used what was once considered “image noise” to measure movement. The delays between image captures, often seen as distortions, allowed researchers to calculate how fast and in which direction the storms moved. In Bickel’s words, they turned “image noise into valuable scientific measurements.”
Why are dust devils important for Mars missions?
Dust on Mars affects everything from local weather to solar-powered rover operations. By showing where and when these storms occur, the new catalogue could help engineers prepare spacecraft for dusty conditions. “Information on wind speeds and directions is vital when planning landings,” Bickel noted. The data could guide decisions such as how often a rover should clean its solar panels.
Dust devils also influence Mars’s climate. They lift fine particles into the air, cooling the surface during the day and trapping heat at night. The study found that these whirlwinds are most common during spring and summer, peaking between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time—much like their Earthly counterparts.
What’s next for Mars research?
The open database, which continues to grow as Mars Express and ExoMars TGO capture more images, allows scientists worldwide to study wind activity in greater detail. ESA project scientist Colin Wilson said it was “great to see researchers using the missions for unexpected discoveries.”
With the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover set to land in 2030, researchers hope this knowledge will make exploration safer. Knowing when and where dust devils appear could help future missions avoid peak storm seasons and better understand how Mars’s winds shape its dusty landscape.
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