How strong can winds get on Mars?

Scientists have made only a few direct measurements of Martian wind speeds. The Curiosity rover is making such measurements on Mars now. But studies of dust storms, cloud movements, and wind streaks suggest that winds can blow up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph).

How strong are dust storms on Mars?

Mars’ atmosphere is a hundred times thinner than ours and with less molecules to be blown around, the force exerted by wind is much, much less. A 60 mph wind gust on Mars would feel closer to 6 mph on Earth. As such, this dramatic dust storm would be a breeze, and certainly wouldn’t blow someone away.

What is the wind and dust like on Mars?

Mars has an atmosphere which is much thinner than the atmosphere on Earth, but which still creates winds. When these winds pick up the fine, dry particles of dust on Mars, a dust storm can occur. Most dust storms cover an area for a few days and carry small particles of dust at speeds of 33 to 66 miles per hour.

What would wind on Mars feel like?

Mars’ atmosphere is less than one percent of Earth’s. So a 150-km/hour wind would feel like about a 1-km/hour wind does on Earth. It wouldn’t do any damage to anything.

How do dust storms form on Mars?

Sun-warmed dust particles radiate heat into the lower atmosphere, driving winds that kick up more dust, which in turn leads to more heat and more dust. A warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapor, and the dust itself likely drags water along with it as it swirls into the upper atmosphere.

Why does Mars feel the force of the solar wind?

Our planet’s magnetosphere, which extends far out into space, deflects solar wind ions before they penetrate to the atmosphere below. Mars isn’t so fortunate. Lacking a planet-wide magnetic field, most of the Red Planet is exposed to the full force of the incoming solar wind.

How long can dust storms last on Mars?

The global dust storms that occur roughly every three Martian years can last anywhere from two weeks to one or two months.

Would wind turbines work on Mars?

“Wind power and solar power may complement each other on Mars. When you have a large dust storm blocking the sunlight on Mars, a wind turbine can still generate electricity,” said scientist David Bubenheim of NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.

How long do dust storms last on Mars?

How fine is the dust on Mars?

Even the 2001 global dust storms on Mars moved only the equivalent of a very thin dust layer – about 3 µm thick if deposited with uniform thickness between 58° north and south of the equator.