Study: Mars Dust Devils Reach 160 km/h

17 HOURS AGO·UPDATED 17 HOURS AGO

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Above: Recreation of the climb of Olympus Mons in the documentary "Ascent of the Red Planet" in France on Dec. 2, 2002. Image copyright: Francis DEMANGE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

This new research offers a crucial roadmap for future Mars missions. By converting decades of orbital images into precise wind measurements — revealing speeds up to 160 km/h, far faster than previously estimated — and mapping their seasonal and daily patterns, scientists can better predict dust accumulation on rover solar panels, evaluate landing site conditions and plan operations, turning what was once background “noise” on Mars into actionable mission intelligence.

European Space Agency

Narrative B

While Martian dust devils may be faster than originally thought, historical observations suggest the planet’s ultra-thin atmosphere limits their destructive power. Winds, even in global storms, rarely exceed 97 km/h, making major equipment damage unlikely. Dust accumulation on solar panels and mechanical components remains a real operational challenge, but these effects are typically manageable, offering engineers predictable conditions for planning landers, rovers and future human missions.

Biden NASA