NASA Perseverance Uncovers Mars' Hidden Winds Through Giant Sand Ripples

• NASA's Perseverance rover captured detailed images of massive "megaripples" on Mars, including a 2-meter tall feature named "Hazyview."
• These megaripples act as "time capsules," preserving clues about ancient Martian winds and interactions between dust and water.
• Martian megaripples can develop a salty, dusty crust, making them largely dormant, though rare strong winds can cause minor shifts.
• Observations were made in the Honeyguide ripple field near Jezero Crater, using Perseverance's full scientific payload.
• Understanding these formations is crucial for scientific insight into Mars' past and present, and for planning future human missions.

Why It Matters: Perseverance's megaripple study reveals Mars' ancient climate and aids future human exploration.