How long can planet-encircling dust events on Mars last?
Answer
Months
When Martian dust storms escalate to the point where they encompass the entire globe, obscuring the planet completely, the duration of this atmospheric shroud is substantial. These planet-encircling events are known to persist for extended periods, sometimes lasting for several months. This lengthy duration imposes significant operational constraints on surface missions, as the accumulated dust opacity severely limits visibility and the ability to generate power, contrasting sharply with temporary, shorter-lived dust events experienced on Earth.
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