NASA observes 1,500 km ice cloud on Mars

Scientists are investigating a massive ice cloud on Mars, known as the Arsia Mons Elongated Cloud (AMEC), which spans over 1,500 kilometers. Featured in NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day on November 2, 2026, the formation is composed of water ice crystals.

The structure of AMEC is challenging existing meteorological models due to its immense scale and specific composition. While Martian clouds are typically lighter and less intense than those on Earth, the organization of these crystals into such an extensive trail suggests atmospheric dynamics that may require a revision of current scientific understanding of the Red Planet's weather patterns.