Sandstorm at Acidalia Planitia

Lore & Background

In the world of The Martian, Mars is a world of thin atmosphere and extreme weather, but the sandstorm at Acidalia Planitia is a rare and violent event. While real Martian dust storms can be planet-wide, they are typically low in force due to the thin air. However, the storm in the story is depicted as powerful enough to topple equipment and reduce visibility to near zero, creating a terrifying environment for the astronauts. The storm's sudden onset catches the Ares 3 crew off guard, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Mars and the inherent risks of human exploration there.

Reader's Guide

The sandstorm at Acidalia Planitia strikes on Sol 6 of the Ares 3 mission. The crew—Commander Lewis, Watney, Martinez, Johanssen, Beck, and Vogel—are in the middle of surface operations when a severe dust storm develops with alarming speed. Mission control orders an emergency abort. During the chaotic scramble to the Mars Ascent Vehicle, a dislodged communications array strikes Watney, and his bio-monitor signal flatlines.

Following strict abort protocol, the crew launches the MAV to safety, believing him dead. This single event strands Watney alone on Mars, forcing him to survive for over a year until the Ares 4 mission arrives. The storm ends Ares 3 prematurely, triggers a global media firestorm and a NASA crisis, and becomes the crucible in which Watney's ingenuity—and the world's response—is tested. It is a stark reminder that on Mars, the line between triumph and disaster is as thin as the air itself.

Did You Know?

• Acidalia Planitia is a real region on Mars, a lowland plain in the northern hemisphere, chosen for its relatively flat terrain suitable for landing.
• The storm's depiction in the film was achieved using a combination of practical effects, like wind machines and flying debris, and CGI dust.