Scientists have discovered the mechanism of formation of auroras on Mars
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- Scientists have discovered the mechanism of formation of auroras on Mars
Scientists from NASA's MAVEN mission have solved the key mystery of the formation of certain types of auroras on Mars, revealing their similarity to terrestrial phenomena. According to the results of the study, the Red Planet has the same mechanism of charged particle circulation as on Earth, but on a much smaller scale due to differences in the magnetic fields of the planets. This was reported by the magazine on July 23. Phys.org .
The process, known as the Dangi cycle, controls electric currents and accelerates charged particles that create auroras in the atmosphere. On Earth, it is triggered when the Sun's magnetic field lines connect to the planet's magnetosphere. A new study has shown that a miniature version of this cycle occurs over the strong magnetic fields of the Martian crust.
Unlike Earth, Mars does not have a global magnetic field. Its protection is provided by numerous local magnetospheres that arise in areas of the magnetized crust. These regions formed about 4 billion years ago when lava cooled in the presence of the planet's ancient global magnetic field, which subsequently disappeared under the influence of the solar wind.
To study the physics of local auroras, scientists used data from a magnetometer, a solar wind electron analyzer, and a STATIC instrument that measures plasma fluxes in the ionosphere.
Shannon Curry, principal investigator of the MAVEN mission from the Laboratory of Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado at Boulder
This is a remarkable result that changes our understanding of the Martian auroras. This is another important step towards understanding why Mars and Earth evolved so differently, despite the same physical laws.
Experts say that studying the interaction of the solar environment with the Red Planet is crucial for planning future automated and manned missions to Mars.
On June 24, the Science X news portal reported the discovery of organic carbon on Mars. The find was made in a rock formation of the Bright Angel. According to scientists, organic substances have been preserved at a depth of only a few microns below the surface of the Red Planet. The researchers called the discovery the most "superficial" detection of organic matter in the history of research.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
