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Volcanic Ash Discovered on Mars: Ongoing Surface Changes

4/17/2026

48 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The European Space Agency's Mars Express reveals a blanket of volcanic ash across Mars' surface over 50 years.
Images from Mars Express contrast the current dark ash with the tan-colored surface seen by NASA's Viking orbiters in 1976.
The ash is rich in mafic minerals and may be redistributed by Martian winds or be uncovered as dust blows away, indicating ongoing change.

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Story summary

The European Space Agency's Mars Express reveals a blanket of volcanic ash across Mars' surface over 50 years.
Images from Mars Express contrast the current dark ash with the tan-colored surface seen by NASA's Viking orbiters in 1976.
The ash is rich in mafic minerals and may be redistributed by Martian winds or be uncovered as dust blows away, indicating ongoing change.