Astronomers using NASA's Perseverance rover have observed visible auroras on Mars for the first time, revealing a stunning green glow during a solar storm. This groundbreaking discovery, published in Science Advances, signifies the first capture of Martian auroras in light visible to the human eye, as previous observations were in ultraviolet light from orbit. The findings may enhance our understanding of Mars' atmosphere and its historic loss of surface water. The study highlights the unique nature of Martian auroras in the context of its faint atmosphere and limited magnetic field, opening new avenues for future research.
"This exciting discovery opens up new possibilities for auroral research and confirms that auroras could be visible to future astronauts on Mars' surface," said study lead author Elise Knutsen.
"Aurora is the visible manifestation of how the Sun really affects the atmosphere of planets, and studying them can reveal a lot about a planet's atmosphere."
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