Scientists from the University of Bern, led by Dr. Valentin Bickel, have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the wind patterns on Mars by applying advanced artificial intelligence techniques to satellite imagery. Traditionally, Mars rovers and landers have provided wind data, but only for their immediate surroundings. Due to the limited number of instruments placed on the Martian surface and the planet’s thin atmosphere, comprehensive wind measurements across Mars have been challenging. To overcome this limitation, researchers turned to satellite images captured by cameras aboard orbiting spacecraft and employed deep-learning methods to analyze wind behavior globally.
Mars exploration missions have equipped orbiters with specialized cameras capable of capturing detailed images of the planet’s surface. Two of these instruments are the Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) on the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter and the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on the Mars Express spacecraft. Together, these cameras have amassed over 50,000 images showing the planet’s surface features. The University of Bern team fed this vast dataset into a machine-learning system designed to identify dust devils—small, rotating columns of dust and air visible on Mars—that serve as natural indicators of wind direction and speed.
Dust devils are crucial to studying Martian winds because they reveal the movement of air that is otherwise invisible. By locating these dust devils and selecting approximately 300 of the best 3D image sets, the scientists could closely observe their trajectories. This allowed them to measure the speed at which these dust devils traveled and infer the prevailing wind directions across various regions of Mars. The findings from this global analysis were surprising and revealed that the wind speeds near the Martian surface can be much stronger than previously recorded by rovers.
Prior measurements taken by surface missions generally showed wind speeds on Mars to be below 48 kilometers per hour, with occasional gusts reaching up to 96 kilometers per hour. However, the new satellite-based study found that dust devils could reach speeds of approximately 160 kilometers per hour in many parts of the planet. This discovery indicates that strong winds are not rare on Mars but rather a common feature affecting large areas. Understanding the presence of such intense winds is crucial because they play an essential role in lifting dust from the surface into the atmosphere, and dust significantly influences Martian climate.
Dust in the Martian atmosphere has a profound impact on the planet’s weather and temperature. It absorbs sunlight, which warms the atmosphere and affects air circulation patterns, temperature variations, and even storm development. Therefore, stronger winds capable of mobilizing more dust lead to more dynamic and complex climate conditions on Mars. This insight into wind strength and dust movement helps scientists refine climate models, improving their ability to predict weather and environmental changes on the planet.
The innovative use of deep neural networks combined with satellite imagery has also introduced a new methodology for mapping global wind patterns on Mars. This approach not only has scientific value but also practical implications for future Mars missions, including those involving landers, rovers, and prospective human explorers. Detailed knowledge of wind behavior is vital for mission planning because strong winds and dust storms pose risks to landing safety, equipment durability, and power generation.
Wind conditions directly influence the design and operational planning of spacecraft and surface equipment. For instance, solar panels are susceptible to dust accumulation, which reduces their efficiency by blocking sunlight. Dust can also degrade scientific instruments by obstructing sensors or damaging moving parts over time. A notable example of this challenge was the Opportunity rover, which ceased operations after a massive dust storm in 2018 darkened the skies and prevented adequate solar charging for an extended period. Understanding when and where strong winds and dust devils form enables scientists to forecast dust-related hazards and develop strategies to mitigate their effects, such as cleaning mechanisms or protective designs.
Furthermore, the wind maps and dust-devil tracking data produced by the University of Bern team provide valuable information for selecting landing sites for future missions. Engineers and mission planners can use these data-driven insights to anticipate how winds will affect descent trajectories, dust movement around the landing area, and the frequency with which dust might settle on critical equipment like solar panels and cameras. This allows for improved landing safety, more robust hardware design, and optimized energy management, especially in dusty conditions.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to enhance the resolution and accuracy of Martian wind maps by capturing more focused images of dust devils and employing advanced 3D imaging techniques. As the dataset grows and becomes more refined, scientists will be able to