Topic
planetaryscience
2 stories, newest first.
Science & TechMars cloud forms via rare process never before seen in planetary atmosphere
A giant cloud near Mars' Arsia Mons volcano forms daily through a process called homogeneous nucleation, where water vapor turns directly into ice. This method has never been observed in a planetary atmosphere before, challenging previous assumptions about cloud formation.
3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 41
Science & TechMercury Shrinkage May Be 30% Greater Than Previously Thought
Scientists estimate Mercury's diameter may have shrunk by up to 14 miles (23 kilometers), a figure 30% greater than earlier projections. The planet's hot iron core cooling and contracting is believed to be the cause, tightening its surface.
2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41