# NASA Perseverance Martian dust discovery > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nasa-perseverance-martian-dust-discovery > Updated: 2026-10-28T22:59:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. NASA’s Perseverance rover has identified ultrafine dust particles on Mars, with some measuring as small as 100 nanometers. These particles are approximately 500 to 700 times thinner than a human hair. Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences utilized the Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) to examine dust adhering to materials on the rover, such as Teflon and Vectran—fabrics used in spacesuit construction. The analysis of data spanning 1,645 Martian days revealed two categories of dust: fine particles under 2.5 micrometers and ultrafine particles around 100 nanometers. Scientists have noted that while particle size does not inherently dictate toxicity, these ultrafine particles pose significant risks to future astronauts because they have a higher potential to penetrate the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream. The dust contains substances such as silica, iron, and perchlorates, which can be harmful. These findings are intended to assist engineers in developing improved spacesuits, habitats, and cleaning protocols for future crewed missions. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-28: NASA Perseverance rover discovers ultra-fine Mars dust particles NASA's Perseverance rover has identified ultra-fine Martian dust particles as small as 100 nanometers, posing potential respiratory risks to future astronauts. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nasa-perseverance-rover-discovers-ultra-fine-mars-dust-particles ### 2026-10-26: NASA Perseverance detects ultrafine Martian dust particles NASA's Perseverance rover has discovered ultrafine Martian dust particles as small as 100 nanometers, posing potential respiratory and bloodstream risks for future human missions to Mars. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nasa-perseverance-rover-detects-ultrafine-dust-on-mars --- Cite as: NASA Perseverance Martian dust discovery. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nasa-perseverance-martian-dust-discovery