The Perseverance rover has captured footage of a rare phenomenon on the surface of Mars. Two Martian dust devils were observed interacting, providing an unprecedented view of the Red Planet's atmospheric dynamics.
These whirlwinds, called dust devils, are common on Mars, but capturing them on video remains exceptional. The rover recorded a larger vortex absorbing a smaller one at a distance of about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer). This observation allows scientists to study the interactions between these phenomena and their impact on the Martian atmosphere.
Three dust devils can be seen in this image taken at the edge of Jezero Crater by NASA's Perseverance rover on January 25, 2025.
Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SSI.
Note that hereafter, the word "air" refers to Martian air, meaning the atmosphere of Mars.
Dust devils form when warm air near the surface rises through colder, denser air above. This process creates rotating columns of air that can lift Martian dust. Scientists believe these whirlwinds play a key role in distributing dust in Mars' atmosphere.
Mark Lemmon, a scientist at the Space Science Institute, explains that these phenomena can either cancel each other out or merge. Perseverance's observation clearly shows a case of merging, where the larger vortex absorbs the smaller one. This interaction provides valuable data on local atmospheric conditions.
Since its landing in 2021, Perseverance has documented numerous dust devils. These observations help researchers understand Martian weather patterns. Katie Stack Morgan, a project scientist, emphasizes the importance of these studies for better understanding the Red Planet's climate.
Footage captured by Perseverance showing the interaction between two dust devils on Mars.
Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / LANL / CNES / CNRS / INTA-CSIC / Space Science Institute / ISAE-Supaero / University of Arizona
Previous missions, such as Viking and Pathfinder, had already spotted dust devils. However, Perseverance's advanced technology enables more detailed observations. The rover uses its cameras and microphone to record not only images but also the sounds of these phenomena.
Capturing these events largely depends on luck, as they are unpredictable. Scientists use the collected data to target the most favorable times and areas for observation. This strategy has allowed the documentation of rare interactions, like the one filmed in January 2025.
Martian dust devils have a short lifespan, typically less than ten minutes, making their study even more valuable. Perseverance's observations contribute to enriching our understanding of atmospheric dynamics and environmental conditions on Mars.
How do dust devils form on Mars?
Dust devils result from temperature differences between Mars' surface and its atmosphere. Air near the ground, heated by the Sun, rises rapidly through the colder, denser air above. This upward movement creates a rotating column of air.
When the rotating air accelerates, it can lift dust from the Martian surface, forming a dust devil. This phenomenon is similar to Earth's dust whirlwinds, but on Mars, the low gravity and thin atmosphere favor these structures.
Dust devils play an important role in transporting dust across the planet. They contribute to the redistribution of dust particles, affecting the climate and surface conditions. Observations of these phenomena help scientists better understand Martian atmospheric processes.
The study of dust devils is also crucial for future crewed missions to Mars. Understanding their formation and behavior can help predict environmental conditions and protect equipment and astronauts from the effects of Martian dust.