The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
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Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
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Mars Express 07-270 18.58.03 VMC Img No 1.png
Vortex clouds – cloud systems being blown in a circle around the poles - have long been known on planets of the solar system, including Earth and Mars. Venus Express has confirmed a double vortex formation at Venus. This VMC images shows the circular pattern of clouds circling the Martian North Pole (which is just in the darkness). This gives a good impression of how powerful this vortex is.
Exposure time: 14ms