The European Space Agency's (ESA) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has detected a phenomenon on Mars known as « Martian spiders».
This information was reported by Iflscience, reports URA-Inform.
Scientists have reported that these formations, observed at the south pole of the Red Planet, look like huge spiders. However, in fact, the researchers explained, these are complex ice structures that form with the onset of the Martian spring.
According to ESA representatives, these formations begin from the influence of sunlight on layers of carbon dioxide that accumulate during winter. Specifically, the sun turns the ice from a layer of CO2 at the bottom into a gas that collects and eventually breaks through the upper layers of ice, creating dark patterns visible on the surface. Next, the gas is released in the form of powerful jets, raising dust and sand, after falling back to the surface, creating dark spots with a diameter of 45 meters to 1 kilometer.
Researchers note that this phenomenon can be explained by the pareidolia effect, when a person sees familiar patterns where there are none. Writer Carl Sagan in his book «The Demon-ridden World: Science as a Candle in the Dark» says this ability to detect threats was important to the survival of our ancient ancestors.
Such instances of seeing imaginary images, such as giant Martian spiders, indicate our deep evolutionary ability to detect threats even where there are none. This helped our ancestors previously avoid danger and survive in an unpredictable environment.
Researchers have found that, as in the past, the modern human brain continues to look for and interpret patterns in order to better understand and adapt to the outside world even in such conditions. distant places like the surface of the planet Mars.
It is worth noting that although Martian spiders are just one of many cosmic phenomena, they add mystery and intrigue to the exploration of Mars. These exciting discoveries by scientists continue to fuel interest in space exploration and remind people of the need for further research to better understand this amazing «red» planet Mars.
Recall that it was previously reported that an island strewn with precious stones was discovered: where is it located (photo).
