The European Space Agency’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has made a fascinating discovery on the surface of the red planet. Images captured by the orbiter have revealed what appear to be “signs of spiders from Mars” in the southern polar region.
The dark features spotted in the ice of Mars were created during the spring season on the planet. These features are caused by carbon dioxide ice turning into gas, which in turn pushes dust and sand upwards. As the gas bursts free, it drags dark material along with it, shattering the ice layers in the process.
While these patterns may appear to resemble spiders from a distance, experts explain that they are actually a result of pareidolia. Pareidolia is a phenomenon where our brain interprets random images or patterns as familiar objects, in this case, spiders.
This tendency of our brain to quickly spot patterns was crucial for early humans in identifying threats for survival. Recognizing patterns helped early humans react appropriately to their environment and ultimately survive long enough to pass on their genes.
Misinterpreting random images as familiar objects is a common occurrence due to our brain’s survival instincts. Our brain is wired to detect patterns in order to make sense of the environment and react accordingly. The discovery of these “spiders from Mars” serves as a reminder of the incredible capabilities of the human brain and its role in our evolution.
