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Comparison of Martian Atmospheric Activity From 1997 and 2001

Comparison of Martian Atmospheric Activity From 1997 and 2001

About the Object

  • Distance
    DistanceThe physical distance from Earth to the astronomical object. Distances within our solar system are usually measured in Astronomical Units (AU). Distances between stars are usually measured in light-years. Interstellar distances can also be measured in parsecs.
    At the 1997 Mars opposition (left), the planet was approximately 62 million miles (100 million kilometers) from Earth. At the 2001 Mars opposition (right), the planet was approximately 43 million miles (68 million km) from Earth.
  • Dimensions
    DimensionsThe physical size of the object or the apparent angle it subtends on the sky.
    The planet has a diameter of 4,222 miles (6,794 km) at the equator.

About the Data

  • Instrument
    InstrumentThe science instrument used to produce the data.
    HST>WFPC2
  • Exposure Dates
    Exposure DatesThe date(s) that the telescope made its observations and the total exposure time.
    May 17, 1997 (left), and September 4, 2001 (right)
  • Object Name
    Object NameA name or catalog number that astronomers use to identify an astronomical object.
    Mars
  • Object Description
    Object DescriptionThe type of astronomical object.
    Planet, Global Dust Storm
  • Release Date
    October 11, 2001
  • Science Release
    Scientists Track “Perfect Storm” on Mars
  • Credit
    Photo Credit: J. Bell (Cornell University)

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Details

Last Updated
Mar 28, 2025
Contact
Media

Claire Andreoli
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
claire.andreoli@nasa.gov