NASA’s Perseverance rover captured this view of Deimos, the smaller of Mars’ two moons, shining in the sky at 4:27 a.m. local time on March 1, 2025. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
A Haunting Martian Moonrise
NASA’s Perseverance rover recently captured a rare and eerie photo of Mars’ smaller moon, Deimos. This unusual view was taken just before sunrise on March 1, 2025. It shows Deimos glowing faintly in the dark Martian sky, offering a new perspective of the Red Planet’s atmosphere.
A Quiet Moment Before Dawn
At 4:27 a.m. local Martian time, Perseverance used its left navigation camera to take a series of 16 photos. Each exposure lasted 3.28 seconds. The rover combined these shots into one clear image showing Deimos above the horizon.
Because the photos were taken before sunrise, the sky was dark enough for the camera to pick up faint light. As a result, Deimos appears like a glowing dot just above Mars’ rocky surface. The view feels otherworldly, quiet, and dreamlike.
What Makes Deimos Special?
Deimos is the smaller of Mars’ two moons. It’s only about 12.6 kilometers (7.8 miles) wide. For comparison, Earth’s moon is over 2,700 kilometers wide. This means Deimos looks more like a bright star than a full moon when seen from Mars.
Despite its small size, Deimos plays a key role in Mars exploration. Scientists study its orbit and light patterns to learn more about the Martian atmosphere and history. Dailyscitech
Why This Image Matters
This photo is not just beautiful—it’s useful. Scientists can use it to study how light behaves in the Martian sky. It also helps them track how Mars’ moons move and change over time.
Therefore, every photo Perseverance sends back adds a piece to the puzzle of understanding Mars. It shows us not just the land but also the sky above this mysterious world. Dailyscitech
What Will Perseverance Capture Next?
Could the rover soon reveal new secrets hiding in the Martian skies? With each image, we get a little closer to answering big questions about Mars and its moons. Dailyscitech
