Colorfully Cloudy

Elongated Martian Cloud   (ESA/DLR/FU Berlin photo)

If you’re looking for a home where the buffalo roam and the skies are not cloudy all day, then don’t move to Mars. 

There’s nary a buffalo on Martian soil, but there are some clouds in the Martian sky.  The lower fluffs are composed of water ice, and the higher puffs “are likely made of frozen carbon dioxide, or dry ice.”

These ice crystals scatter the setting Martian sunlight in such a way that “shimmering” colors result.  Not just the traditional reds that Mars is associated with, but also some blues, greens and purples.  Photos from Curiosity’s cameras convey the beauty that awaits humankind.

Resources

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-captures-shining-clouds-on-mars