NASA’s Perseverance rover has made history by capturing the first visible-light aurora on Mars, a phenomenon previously only recorded in ultraviolet light. The brilliant green glow was observed on March 18, 2024, during a powerful solar storm that interacted with the planet’s magnetic fields.
The event was caused by particles ejected from the Sun colliding with Mars’ magnetic field, producing a unique display of colorful lights in the Martian sky. This is not the first time auroras have been detected on Mars, but it marks the first time they’ve been visible to the human eye.
The Perseverance rover’s advanced cameras and instruments were crucial in capturing this rare occurrence. The team had previously attempted to observe auroras as far back as 2023, but this was their first success after refining their prediction parameters.
The discovery sheds new light on Mars’ magnetic fields and their interaction with solar particles. It also highlights the complexity of the Martian magnetosphere, which is different from Earth’s in that it combines elements of induced and intrinsic fields.
This breakthrough has significant implications for future research, particularly in understanding temporal auroral variability and spatial structures. By adapting observation methods to record surface phenomena, researchers can compare data with orbital platforms and gain a deeper insight into Mars’ dynamics.
The event was predicted by NASA scientists using the CCMC Space Weather Database of Notifications, Knowledge, and Information, which revealed an intense solar storm in Active Region 13599 on March 15. The team’s observation of the aurora has provided valuable insights into the Martian magnetosphere and its interaction with solar particles.
Source: https://thedebrief.org/nasas-perseverance-rover-spotted-something-on-mars-that-scientists-have-never-seen-before