Global Dust Storms

Global dust storms on Mars are massive atmospheric events where strong winds lift vast amounts of fine dust from the planet’s surface, creating a thick, planet-wide haze. These storms can last for weeks or months, drastically reducing sunlight reaching the surface and impacting solar-powered equipment and surface conditions. They are triggered by seasonal changes and surface heating, and their scale is much larger than typical local storms, sometimes enveloping the entire planet. Such storms influence Mars’ climate and are important for scientists studying the planet's weather patterns, surface processes, and potential for future exploration.