News brief · Reported 7 October 2026
The European Space Agency reports new research into the Arsia Mons Elongated Cloud on Mars. During the planet's southern spring and summer, this water-ice cloud can grow to around 1,800 kilometres before fading again.
Scientists combined Mars Express observations with atmospheric modelling to investigate how it forms. The October 7 update suggests an unusual cloud-forming mechanism, while further observations remain valuable.
Sources: European Space Agency
Illustrative stock photo; it does not depict this event. Photo: NASA / Unsplash.