NASA’s Perseverance rover has captured stunning images of a glowing green light rippling above Jezero Crater on Mars, confirming long-held predictions about Martian auroras. The rare space weather alignment occurred just days after a powerful solar eruption struck Mars.
The discovery was made possible by a coordinated effort between NASA’s Perseverance and MAVEN orbiters. The rover used its instruments to capture visible-light images of the aurora, while the orbiter provided data on charged particles entering the Martian atmosphere.
Scientists had predicted that oxygen atoms in the thin Martian air could produce visible green light when pummeled by solar debris. The new images confirm this theory, revealing a diffuse aurora high above the planet’s surface.
The study opens up new possibilities for auroral research and confirms that future astronauts on Mars’ surface can see auroras. It also highlights the importance of predicting space weather events to ensure safe passage for human explorers.
NASA scientists hope to capture more aurora images as the Sun approaches its maximum in 2025, which is expected to bring more intense solar flares and radiation hazards to Mars.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/first-visible-light-auroras-seen-on-mars-captured-by-the-perseverance-rover