NASA’s Mars Odyssey Orbiter acquired a rare and spectacular photograph of a volcanic plume rising 12 miles above the Martian surface. The photograph shows Arsia Mons, a gigantic volcano that breaks through the planet’s morning cloud layer just before sunrise. This breathtaking image shows the first time a Martian volcano has been shot on the horizon, providing an unprecedented glimpse of the planet’s surface dynamics.

Arsia Mons is one of three massive volcanoes that comprise the Tharsis Mountains, a large volcanic plateau near Mars’ equator. NASA noted that this new visual position is similar to how astronauts view Earth from the International Space Station, facing towards the curve of the horizon.

The photograph was taken by NASA’s Odyssey Orbiter, which was launched in 2001. The spacecraft has the distinction of being the longest-running mission ever to circle another planet. Odyssey began taking high-altitude photographs of the Martian horizon in 2023 by turning 90 degrees during its orbit, allowing for a new observational angle.

This shift in angle has enabled scientists to better investigate the intricate layering of clouds and atmospheric particles. According to NASA planetary scientist Michael Smith, the horizon images show major seasonal fluctuations.