How do you measure wind on Mars? These scientists have a plan

A rusted red planet hangs in black space, its face scarred with black canyons and dark dusty seas.

Researchers have tested a suite of anemometers — tools that measure wind speeds — designed to operate on the surface of Mars.

These would not be the first to take the Martian wind speed, to be clear, as landers have done that for quite some time. Even Viking 1 managed to grab some Martian wind measurements nearly fifty years ago. But, according to the researchers’ findings, this system could allow future landers — or future humans — to measure Martian winds with more sensitivity than ever before.