Mars Has Lightning, Scientists Prove

"A study now confirms it: particles in the dusty Martian atmosphere rub against one another, building up electrical charge that discharges in the form of lightning. Aside from Earth, lightning and electric activity were only known to occur on Saturn and Jupiter. On Earth, wind-blown dust and sand particles can become electrified because of a process called triboelectrification, or the transfer of charge between two objects when they rub against each other, a result of friction."

"The scientists identified 55 electrical events, all but one of which occurred during periods when winds were in the top 30 percent over the two years. This pattern indicates that wind plays a crucial role in initiating electrical charge on Mars. Dust devil activity, the researchers say, is highly variable on the planet. The Perseverance readings were taken in the Jezero Crater, but other regions on Mars may get 20 times more dust devils."

Particles in Mars's dusty atmosphere rub together, producing electrical charge that can discharge as lightning. Wind-blown dust and sand undergo triboelectrification, similar to processes on Earth, enhancing charge separation during dust devils and storms. Some Martian dust storms span thousands of kilometers, increasing the likelihood of widespread electrification. NASA Perseverance's microphones recorded electromagnetic signatures and acoustic signals consistent with electrical activity across 28 hours of data over two Martian years. Fifty-five electrical events were identified, nearly all occurring during periods when winds were in the top 30 percent, indicating wind speed plays a crucial role. Dust devil frequency varies regionally, with some areas possibly experiencing far more events.

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