We've known for years there's wind on Mars, but now you can see it on film. A new set of photos shows the parachute that helped Curiosity rover safely land on Mars last August shifting in the wind.
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter snapped seven photos between Aug. 12, 2012 and Jan. 13, 2013 that show the parachute changing shape at least two times due to wind. The major shift -- as seen in the fourth and fifth images -- took place sometime between Sept. 8, 2012 and Nov. 30, 2012. Around that same time, you'll notice a dark spot appear. NASA says this may due to airborne dust.
Curiosity rover landed on Mars last summer after a descent so risky it was dubbed the "seven minutes of terror." At 165 feet long, the parachute is the largest ever used for a Mars landing.
The image below is a color view of the parachute and back shell shortly after it landed on Mars.
The photo below is an artist's concept of Curiosity rover's parachute system.
