"Rare Solar Wind Void Causes Mars' Atmosphere to Swell, Raising Concerns for Earth"
TL;DR Summary
Mars' atmosphere experienced a sudden expansion last year, reaching three times its normal size, due to a rare gap in the charged particles of solar wind. This phenomenon, known as atmospheric "ballooning," has also occurred on Earth in the past and could happen again soon. The expansion coincided with a significant decline in solar wind particles hitting the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) Orbiter. Similar events on Earth have been linked to gaps in solar wind caused by coronal holes, which may become more common as the sun reaches the peak of its 11-year cycle of activity.
- 'Almost unbelievable': Rare void from the sun briefly blew up Mars' atmosphere last year, and it could happen to Earth too Livescience.com
- Mars' atmosphere swelled like a balloon when solar wind stopped blowing. Scientists are thrilled Space.com
- NASA's MAVEN Observes the Disappearing Solar Wind NASA
- NASA sees solar wind disappear at Mars, leaving a void Business Insider
- Nasa makes 'almost unbelievable' discovery of Mars's protective layer The Independent
Reading Insights
Total Reads
0
Unique Readers
0
Time Saved
3 min
vs 4 min read
Condensed
85%
658 → 98 words
Want the full story? Read the original article
Read on Livescience.com