David Bowie’s reference to Spiders from Mars was not about actual arachnids on the planet, but rather about a unique landscape feature called “spiders.” Recently, NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) captured an intriguing view of araneiform terrain, which resembles spider-like formations.
The image was taken by MRO’s HiRise camera, operated by a team based at the University of Arizona. The team selects notable images from the camera’s archives and features them as the HiPOD (HiRise Picture of the Day). The image of the spiders crater was captured in May 2022 and was the HiPOD on Thursday.
In the image, we can see a crater with two distinct features. First, there are dark formations that resemble clusters of spiders crawling over the landscape. Second, there are geometric polygon shapes that bear a resemblance to dried mud. According to the HiRise team, this image was taken to study the impact of sunlight exposure on the development of spiders versus polygons in this type of terrain.
Zooming out, a wider view provides more context to what MRO was observing. The crater stands out against the surrounding landscape.
The spiders on Mars are a result of natural processes. They originate from the sublimation of ice beneath the surface, where ice transitions directly from a solid to a gaseous state. These captivating formations have been observed in other regions of Mars as well.
While the spiders may capture our imagination, the polygon formations are equally fascinating, even if less visually striking. Similar polygonal shapes have been seen in cold environments on Earth that experience water freeze-thaw cycles. Martian polygons typically form due to raised ridges. By studying these polygons, scientists can gather information about climate conditions and the distribution of ice on Mars.
Beyond the scientific significance, the HiRise image of the crater also showcases the haunting beauty of Mars. It’s a moment to appreciate the wonders of a distant planet while listening to David Bowie’s album, “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.”
