A striking new image released on September 16, 2026, by the European Space Agency reveals rare purple and pink hues across an ice cliff near Mars’s south pole. Captured by the Mars Express spacecraft, the scene breaks from the familiar tans and reds of the Martian surface, showcasing berry-toned terrain shaped by volcanic minerals, morning light, and atmospheric frost.
Rare Purple Hues Captured at Mars’s South Pole
Exploring the Craggy Heights of Thyles Rupes
The image focuses on Thyles Rupes, an icy and craggy feature located in the southern highlands of Mars. According to the European Space Agency, the location’s name stems from ‘Thule,’ a legendary place beyond the edge of known geography in classical descriptions.
The steep cliffs of Thyles Rupes measure over one kilometer tall in certain spots and formed as tectonic forces pushed segments of the Martian crust upward during the planet’s early cooling phase.
Volcanic Minerals and Frost Create Unusual Palette
The distinctive color palette stems from a specific combination of geological and atmospheric factors. Darker tones across the terrain originate from mafic minerals such as olivine and pyroxene, which were deposited by ancient volcanic activity. Paler, bluish areas consist of persistent carbon dioxide frost clinging to sand dunes and craters even during the Martian spring.
Atmospheric Dust and Changing Solar Angles
The overall berry-purple hue is produced by soft morning light filtering through suspended atmospheric dust, interacting with widespread ground frost and mixed deposits of ice and debris.
The European Space Agency noted that Mars features a highly variable atmosphere, causing surface colors to shift significantly throughout the day under changing solar angles.
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