## 1 Introduction  
The Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) is an instrumental suite installed on NASA's Perseverance rover designed to monitor the Martian atmosphere ([PERSON] et al. (2021) [1]). The proper operation and accuracy of MEDA are essential for understanding the planet's meteorological conditions and planning future missions. However, the presence of the Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG), which provides the rover with power, introduces potential thermal perturbations that could affect the accuracy of the MEDA measurements. Previous studies, such as those conducted by [PERSON] et al. (2020 and 2014) [2, 3] and [PERSON] et al. (1977) [4], have already highlighted the potential thermal impact of the MMRTG on nearby instruments. These perturbations, ranging from 2 to 5 K depending on wind conditions and the relative positions of the instruments, could influence the data collected, particularly under low wind speeds where thermal convection plays a significant role. It is worth noting that Reynolds numbers around \(10^{3}\), considered extremely low in this study, are a consequence of the unique Martian atmospheric conditions. On Earth, such values are typically encountered in highly viscous or low-velocity flows, like microfluidic systems, whereas on Mars, they represent mesoscale flows due to the reduced atmospheric density and the thin atmosphere. As emphasized in studies like [PERSON] and [PERSON] (2004) [5] and [PERSON] and [PERSON] (2009) [6], such low Reynolds numbers present unique aerodynamic challenges, with laminar wakes and minimal turbulence dominating the flow dynamics. In addition, it will be interesting to analyze the geometry of the flows in the affected area, as demonstrated in studies by [PERSON] et al. (2022) [7], [PERSON] et al. (2024) [8], and [PERSON] et al. (2019) [9]. Understanding the flow patterns around the MEDA station and its interactions with the MMRTG is crucial, as the localized geometry can enhance or mitigate the influence of thermal convection on the instruments. The local flow structures generated by the interaction between the MMRTG, the MEDA station, and the rover geometry exhibit significant sensitivity to low Reynolds number effects, where viscous forces dominate over inertial forces, altering convection and flow separation patterns. A detailed analysis of these flow structures may provide further insights into potential disturbances and improve the accuracy of environmental measurements on Mars. Furthermore, a recent study by [PERSON] et al. (2024) [10] demonstrates that the complex flow phenomena in the Martian atmosphere, particularly the importance of the Grashof number, can introduce additional uncertainties in measurements obtained from the MEDA system, which is located at the front of the Perseverance rover. Their research emphasizes the feasibility of conducting experiments on Earth that simulate Martian atmospheric conditions without the need for a vacuum chamber, allowing for more streamlined methodologies. This paper aims to provide a preliminary analysis of the influence of the MMRTG on the MEDA station using a novel experimental method. A hydrodynamic towing tank and ink flows are employed to simulate the thermal emission patterns, representing a more economical approach while maintaining accuracy in reproducing Mars-like scenarios. To further validate this method, the experimental results are compared with established Reynolds and Grashof numbers for Mars, as well as with known thermal behaviors studied in prior research ([PERSON] et al. (2020) [2]). Additionally, this study investigates wind velocities below \(1\) m/s, a critical range for thermal interactions between the MMRTG and MEDA. The typical wind speeds on Mars, between \(1\) and \(3\) m/s, represent a low range with significant thermal disturbances, especially when the wind passes directly over the MMRTG.