New satellite images show hundreds of black “spiders” on Mars

In the latest satellite images from the European Space Agency (ESA), the “Inca City” on Mars reveals a fascinating phenomenon: the appearance of hundreds of dark, thin, spider-like formations, writes Live Science. These formations, however, are not arachnids, but gas channels coming from seasonal eruptions of carbon dioxide.

During the Martian spring in the Southern Hemisphere, increased temperatures cause the carbon dioxide ice layer to sublimate, releasing gas that explodes from the ice layers. This gas carries dark dust from the surface, creating the distinct spider-like patterns seen in the images.

The mysterious “Inca City” formation, also known as Angustus Labyrinthus, presents linear ridges reminiscent of ancient ruins. Originally thought to be made up of petrified sand dunes or glacial debris, further exploration revealed it to be part of a circular feature possibly formed by an ancient impact crater.

Magmatic intrusions that came out through the cracked Martian crust after the impact could have created the ridges, which now appear to be partially exposed ruins by erosion.

The seasonal appearance of these “spiders” offers a perspective on the dynamic processes that shape the Martian surface. While initially intriguing for their resemblance to terrestrial arachnids, these formations offer a glimpse into the complex interactions between geology and climate on the Red Planet.

ESA’s Mars Express orbiter and ExoMars Trace Gas Probe captured these images, highlighting the ongoing exploration of Mars and the mysteries waiting to be revealed on the neighboring planet.