Dust devil on Earth

Solar System

Video: Chasing Dust Devils

Scientists are flying instrument-laden drones through whirlwinds on Earth to better understand their counterparts on other worlds in the solar system.

Image of Martian dust storm

Solar System

Dust Storm Electricity Might Forge Perchlorates on Mars

Electrostatic discharge in a simulated dusty Martian environment yields perchlorates — a potential energy source for microbial life — at abundances 1,000 times greater than sunlight alone.

Infrared mosaic of Titan

Space Missions

Titan Dust Storms Pose Challenges for Future Spacecraft

Future missions to Saturn's moon Titan may have to contend with blowing particles and higher-than-expected winds from recently discovered dust storms.

Illustration of dust storms on Titan

Solar System

60-Second Astro News: Dust Storms on Titan, Origin of Phobos

In astronomy news this week: Dust storms are seen blowing around Titan for the first time, and new clues from old data suggest that an impact on Mars gave birth to Phobos.

Explore the Night with Bob King

Observers Anxious for Dust to Settle as Mars Opposition Approaches

With opposition only weeks away, will the current global dust storm finally break? We look at the prospects.

Solar System

Big Dust Storm Blows up on Mars (Updated)

Will Mars soon be hidden under a veil of dust? Let's hope not. We explore the current storm and the planet's upcoming close opposition.

Celestial News & Events

Mars Dust Storm Grows — Curiosity's Skies Darkening

The dust storm on Mars that broke out at the end of May is now affecting the skies across the entire planet.

dust storm

Dust Storm Erupts on Mars

Earlier this week amateur astronomers watching Mars spotted a large — and growing — dust cloud over the planet's southern hemisphere.

Astronomy & Observing News

Dust Storms on Mars

Just as it's swinging close by Earth, Mars has spawned widenings dust storms visible in amateur telescopes.

Celestial Objects to Observe

Dust Storm on Mars

A large regional dust storm has enveloped several thousand square kilometers of the red planet and shows no signs of abating.

Solar System

Another Martian Dust Storm

Less than one month after a localized dust storm appeared on the Martian surface, another dust cloud has spring up.