'Cloud' over Mars leaves scientists baffled

Phys dot Org ^ | February 16, 2015 | unattributed

[gleeaikin]

The source I first saw on this subject said this haze was also seen about a year previously. If it was in the same area, then I think that rules out an impact event.

[gleeaikin]

I forgot to include this article also on the mars story.

http://www.aol.com/article/2015/02/17/scientists-baffled-by-mysterious-haze-on-mars/21143468/?ncid=webmail11

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks g. None of the sources I've been able to read (the Nature source might be nice, but it requires authorization) say that there have been multiple events in the same spot -- merely that two amateurs saw a similar phenomenon twice (well, three times) in 2012. Here's the snip from the BBC piece linked out of that AOL piece.

The vast plume was initially spotted by amateur astronomers in 2012, and appeared twice before vanishing. Scientists have now analysed the images and say that the formation, stretching for more than 1,000km, is larger than any seen before. The vast, bright haze lasted for about 10 days. A month later, it reappeared for the same length of time. But it has not been seen since.

[SunkenCiv]

No prob’. It’s interesting that the science-critter gets quoted in some sources that these plumes shouldn’t be seen at such high altitudes, that it would mean the Earthlings’ understanding of the atmosphere of Mars is incorrect (due to the low density). Obviously it *has* to be either from an impact, or from a volcano, but again, the latter would mean current volcanic activity, and the most recent known was about 2 million years ago. :’)