Using data from NASA’s MAVEN spacecraft, which can detect very faint ultraviolet light, we found strong evidence of these nightside clouds. Our findings show that the clouds can be studied even in very low light, revealing their size and structure. The way the light travels also tells us the lower atmosphere must be relatively clear of dust for the light to pass through.

This discovery helps us better understand how clouds form and behave on Mars, how its atmosphere is layered, and will guide future missions exploring the Red Planet.