Researchers believe they have observed electrical phenomena in the atmosphere of Mars for the first time, indicating the possibility of lightning occurring on the planet.
The Perseverance rover, which landed on Mars in 2021, was tasked with searching for biological signs and has been exploring the Jezero Crater area for the past four years.
Electrical bursts dubbed “mini lightning” were recorded through audio and electromagnetic data collected by the rover’s SuperCam instrument.
Scientists are optimistic that enhanced instruments for detecting atmospheric discharges, along with advanced cameras, could be sent to Mars to verify these findings.
Research and Findings
A team from France analyzed 28 hours of audio recordings captured by the NASA rover during two Martian years, equivalent to 1,374 Earth days.
The analysis revealed that electrical discharges were primarily linked to dust devils and the fronts of dust storms.
Dust devils are small whirlwinds caused by hot air rising from the surface, and their dynamics can result in electrical discharges.
Dr. Baptiste Chide, the lead researcher, stated, “These discharges represent a major discovery, with direct implications for Martian atmospheric chemistry, climate, habitability and the future of robotic and human exploration.”
Dr. Baptiste Chide, the lead researcher, stated, “These discharges represent a major discovery, with direct implications for Martian atmospheric chemistry, climate, habitability and the future of robotic and human exploration.”
He, along with other scientists at the Institute for Research in Astrophysics and Planetology, believes that Mars has now joined Earth, Saturn, and Jupiter among planets recognized for their atmospheric electrical activity.
Critiques and Future Exploration
Particle physicist Dr. Daniel Pritchard noted in a scientific journal that while the collected recordings provide strong evidence of dust-related discharges, the fact that these discharges were only audible and not visually confirmed leaves some doubt about their classification as true Martian lightning.
Pritchard added, “Given the history of this field, the debate is likely to continue for some time.”
Pritchard added, “Given the history of this field, the debate is likely to continue for some time.”
In September this year, scientists discovered rocks on Mars featuring peculiar markings.
These fascinating markings, referred to as leopard spots and poppy seeds, contain minerals formed through chemical reactions that might suggest ancient life.
While there is a chance that these minerals resulted from natural geological processes, NASA has indicated that these features could represent the most convincing evidence of life ever found.
Ancient Mars and the Future of Exploration
Presently, Mars is characterized by a cold and dry desert environment. However, billions of years ago, it is believed to have had a dense atmosphere and water, making it a promising site for seeking evidence of past life.
Perseverance was sent to the Jezero Crater due to its characteristics that indicate it may have once supported life, including indicators that it was a delta when Mars was capable of sustaining liquid water on its surface.
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