
NASA's Curiosity Mars rover imaged these drifting clouds on May 7, 2019, the 2,400th Martian day, or sol, of the mission, using its black-and-white Navigation Cameras (Navcams). These are likely water-ice clouds about 19 miles (31 kilometers) above the surface. They are also "noctilucent" clouds, meaning they are so high that they are still illuminated by the Sun, even when it's night at Mars' surface. Scientists can watch when light leaves the clouds and use this information to infer their altitude. Movie available at https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA23242
Most NASA images are in the public domain and free to use. Credit NASA as the source. Check NASA's media usage guidelines for details. Images featuring identifiable individuals may require additional permissions.
NASA ID
PIA23242
Date Created
May 29, 2019
Center
JPL
Media Type
image
Download this image in multiple resolutions. All NASA media are free for public use.
480px