"Surprising Green Nightglow Revealed on Mars: Astronauts May Witness Eerie Phenomenon"
The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has discovered a green nightglow in the Martian atmosphere, providing valuable insights into atmospheric processes and potential illumination for future missions. This visible nightglow, distinct from auroras, occurs when oxygen atoms combine to form oxygen molecules high above the planet's surface. The glow could be bright enough for humans and rovers to navigate in the dark nights of Mars' polar regions. Understanding the properties of Mars' atmosphere is crucial for future missions, as it affects the drag experienced by orbiting satellites and the landing of probes on the Martian surface.