ExoMars Orbiter Links Mars Gas Spikes to Fissures Near Alba Mons
Space · Thursday, November 5, 2026 · 15 sources

ExoMars Orbiter Links Mars Gas Spikes to Fissures Near Alba Mons

The European Space Agency’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter detected early-summer hydrogen chloride spikes above fissures on Alba Mons, Mars. A team led by Alexander Trokhimovskiy argues the gas may be seeping from a dormant magma system, but researchers have not observed an eruption or new lava flow.

Bottom line — The Alba Mons fissures are a possible target in the search for Martian hydrothermal habitats, not evidence of life.

Go deeper 6

  1. The orbiter first detected hydrogen chloride in Mars’s atmosphere in 2021; most of the gas’s seasonal variation appears linked to dust and water cycles.

  2. The unusual spikes recur above Alba Mons during northern early summer, after winter frost sublimates, according to the research team.

  3. The Trace Gas Orbiter’s Atmospheric Chemistry Suite detected the gas, while its CaSSIS camera imaged narrow fissures and nearby surface colour changes.

  4. Researchers suggest winter ice may seal the fissures, with seasonal thaw allowing gas to escape.

  5. The team links the emissions to a dormant magma chamber, but the source remains uncertain and the observations do not confirm active volcanism.

  6. Daniel Mège of the Polish Academy of Sciences says hydrothermal systems could provide energy and protection for microorganisms, if such systems are active.

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Last generated: Nov 5, 7:16 PM UTC by wreetco

dstld. Your daily news summary designed to surface the news that matters from a European perspective. Curated by humans, summarized by AI - always with links back to the original reporting.

Links · Contact
Popular topics · WorldEuropeGamesAI
Last generated: Nov 5, 7:16 PM UTC by wreetco