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Bruce Murray Space Image Library

Martian atmospheric layers

Martian atmospheric layers
Martian atmospheric layers ESA’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter captured this sequence of images of the Martian atmosphere, showing fine layers of cloud and dust throughout the atmosphere. Each vertical image (with Mars’ surface toward the bottom) shows a slice of the atmosphere 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles) wide, backlit by sunlight at dusk. They were all captured on the same day, 200 kilometers (125 miles) apart. Changes in color represent different particle sizes, with smaller grains higher in the atmosphere. Learn more about ExoMars and what it is learning about Mars’ past and present habitability. ESA/TGO/CaSSIS.