Tag

Dust Devils

All articles tagged with #dust devils

NASA Detects Electric Sparks in Martian Dust Storms, Challenging Atmosphere Theories
science1 month ago

NASA Detects Electric Sparks in Martian Dust Storms, Challenging Atmosphere Theories

NASA's Perseverance rover detected unexpected electrical activity in Martian dust devils using its microphone, revealing that electrical discharges are common on Mars and may influence atmospheric chemistry, including methane breakdown, with significant implications for future missions and our understanding of the planet.

Mars dust devils could trigger lightning, endangering Perseverance
science7 months ago

Mars dust devils could trigger lightning, endangering Perseverance

Dust devils on Mars may generate lightning due to charge buildup in dust particles, posing potential risks to rovers like NASA's Perseverance, while also offering new insights into Martian atmospheric phenomena. The study uses computer models to explore how dust particle size and charge distribution could lead to electrical discharges, with recent evidence suggesting lightning might have been observed by the rover's microphone.

"NASA's Perseverance Rover Captures Spectacular Martian Dust Devil in Action"
space2 years ago

"NASA's Perseverance Rover Captures Spectacular Martian Dust Devil in Action"

NASA's Perseverance rover captured footage of a 1.2 mile-high dust devil on the Martian surface as it moved across Thorofare Ridge. The dust devil was estimated to be about 2 kilometers in height based on its shadow. Dust devils are a common weather phenomenon on Mars, and Perseverance's ability to observe them from a distance helps scientists study the planet's weather. The rover's main objective is to search for signs of ancient life, collect rock samples, and gather data on Martian weather conditions.