What is spider crater?

Spider Crater is a small impact crater located on the south polar ice cap of Mars. It was first observed by the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft in 1999 and has been studied extensively since then. The crater is named after the distinctive spider-shaped patterns that form on its surface during the spring and summer months.

The spider-shaped patterns are caused by the seasonal melting of surface carbon dioxide ice, which releases gas and creates channels that resemble spider legs. Dust and debris from the surface are also transported by the gas, further shaping the spider-like features. As the Martian winter approaches, the channels freeze and the spider patterns disappear until the following spring.

Spider Crater is approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) in diameter and its rim rises about 500 meters (1,640 ft) above the surrounding terrain. It is thought to be relatively young, formed within the last few million years. The crater’s location on the south pole of Mars also makes it an important location for studying the planet’s climate and polar processes.