Summary
Scientists using NASA’s Perseverance rover have detected what they believe to be lightning on Mars. The discovery was made by listening to the sounds recorded by the rover during dust storms and dust devils on the planet. Researchers found 55 instances of these electrical discharges, resembling static electricity.
Key Facts
- Scientists detected electrical discharges on Mars using a microphone on NASA’s Perseverance rover.
- They found 55 instances of what they think is “mini lightning” over two Martian years.
- Most of these events occurred during dust storms and dust devils on windy days.
- The electrical arcs are small, just inches in size, and happen near the rover’s microphone.
- The discharges sound like static electricity mixed with wind noise.
- Scientists have looked for electrical activity on Mars for about 50 years.
- Evidence is not confirmed yet; it comes from a single instrument that was meant for other tasks.
- Electrical activity like this is also found on planets like Jupiter and Saturn.
