A 1,000-mile cloud on Mars may reveal physics never seen in nature

Key points

• A new study published in Nature Geoscience suggests a cloud on Mars may form without the tiny particles that clouds on Earth usually need. Researchers say the cloud, which stretches about 1,000 miles, may come from vapour turning straight into ice crystals on its own.
• Extreme conditions appear to be required, including a sharp temperature drop of 30 degrees Celsius within 10 minutes. The Arsia Mons volcano may help create these conditions by pushing moist air high into the atmosphere.
• Hernández-Bernal said the result was remarkable, given how little is known about the Martian atmosphere.