New Delhi: For space watchers, Mars is like a second home. Astronomers have been studying the red planet for centuries and a mysterious haze high above Mars has left scientists scratching their heads.
Two strange, cloud-like plumes reaching high above the surface of Mars are causing a whip among scientists.
On two separate occasions in March and April 2012, amateur astronomers reported definite plume-like features developing on the planet. Scientists have now analysed the images and say that say the formation, stretching for more than 1,000km, is larger than any seen before.
The plumes were seen rising to altitudes of over 155 miles (250 km) above the region of Mars, and could help explain what makes up the Martian atmosphere. Writing in the journal Nature, the researchers believe the plume could be a large cloud or an exceptionally bright aurora.
One of the plumes developed in around 10 hours and lasted for 11 days. Their trails extended between 310 miles and 620 miles (500 and 1,000 km). One theory is that they are clouds of carbon dioxide or water particles while another are they are the Martian version of Northern and Southern lights.
Damian Peach was one of the first stargazers to capture images of the phenomenon. He told BBC News: "I noticed this projection sticking out of the side of the planet. To begin with, I thought there was a problem with the telescope or camera. But as I checked more of the images, I realised it was a real feature - and it was quite a surprise."
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. An international team of scientists has now confirmed the finding, but they are struggling to find an explanation.
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