The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Mars Express orbiter captured stunning views of a winter wonderland on Mars, but this isn’t your regular snowfall. Instead, Mars’ south pole is covered in layers of carbon dioxide ice and dust, according to ESA, creating the mesmerizing scene across the planet’s southerly region of Australe Scopuli.

Mars has a breathtaking winter wonderland near its south pole, where carbon dioxide ice forms dynamic patterns of dust and frost.

Mars is on the cusp of becoming bigger and brighter than at any point since 2022 as it comes into alignment with Earth and the sun.