1
$\begingroup$

New method for exoplanet detection based on iridescence? in Astronomy SE asks about observations of exoplanets, but here I'm asking about our own solar system bodies.

Question: Has iridescence ever been observed on any solar system body besides Earth? Or at least from a sample from one?

Primarily I'm interested in iridescence observed in a spacecraft's data, but observations on Earth from objects from off-Earth (e.g. sample returns, meteorites) are also okay.

Wikipedia's Iridescence begins:

Iridescence (also known as goniochromism) is the phenomenon of certain surfaces that appear to gradually change color as the angle of view or the angle of illumination changes. Examples of iridescence include soap bubbles, feathers, butterfly wings and seashell nacre, as well as certain minerals. It is often created by structural coloration (microstructures that interfere with light).

Companion question:

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
2
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Does this count? jpl.nasa.gov/images/… $\endgroup$
    – Christopher James Huff
    Aug 14, 2021 at 0:24
  • $\begingroup$ @ChristopherJamesHuff I looked up and added a definition of iridescence and surprisingly it certainly does! $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Aug 14, 2021 at 0:31

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
4
$\begingroup$

Iridescent "mother of pearl" clouds were observed by Curiosity on Mars: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/curiosity-spots-iridescent-mother-of-pearl-clouds

From PIA24662: Curiosity Spots Iridescent Mother of Pearl Clouds

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover spotted these iridescent, or "mother of pearl," clouds on March 5, 2021, the 3,048th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. Seen here are five images stitched together from a much wider panorama taken by the rover's Mast Camera, or Mastcam. The full panorama (Figure 1) was stitched together from 23 images.

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover spotted these iridescent, or "mother of pearl," clouds on March 5, 2021, the 3,048th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. Seen here are five images stitched together from a much wider panorama taken by the rover's Mast Camera, or Mastcam. The full panorama (Figure 1) was stitched together from 23 images.

The full 23 images stitched is linked on the page.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.