Title: Unraveling the Mystery of Martian Lightning – A Breakthrough in Planetary Science The recent discovery by NASA’s Perseverance rover has shed light on one of Mars’ most elusive phenomena – lightning. Researchers have found evidence of sparks within Martian dust devils, providing direct proof of a form of lightning on the red planet. This breakthrough not only answers questions about our neighboring planet but also opens up new avenues for understanding other celestial bodies in our solar system. For years, scientists have been puzzled by the absence of thunderstorms and lightning on Mars despite its similarities to Earth’s weather patterns. The discovery that mini-lightning strikes can occur due to whirling dust devils offers a plausible explanation for this mystery. These electrical arcs, just a few centimeters long, were detected accidentally by the rover’s microphone and accompanied by audible shockwaves. This finding adds Mars to the list of celestial bodies known to experience lightning alongside Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus. However, unlike Earth-like conditions on these gas giants, detecting lightning on Mars has proven challenging due to its thin atmosphere and lower atmospheric pressure compared to our home planet. The historical context of this discovery is significant as it dates back to experiments conducted in the 1970s that suggested lightning should exist on Mars under certain conditions. These experiments involved placing volcanic sand into a flask and pumping it down to Martian atmospheric pressures, which resulted in swirling sand creating a glow caused by electrical charges from friction between particles. The implications of this discovery are far-reaching, as understanding the presence of lightning on Mars can help us better understand our own planet’s weather patterns and potentially aid future manned missions to the red planet. It also highlights the importance of continued exploration and research into other celestial bodies within our solar system. In conclusion, the discovery of Martian lightning by NASA’s Perseverance rover marks a significant milestone in planetary science. This breakthrough not only answers long-standing questions about Mars but also opens up new avenues for understanding other planets and their atmospheric conditions. As we continue to explore our universe, discoveries like these remind us just how much there is still left to learn about the cosmos around us.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/11/26/nx-s1-5616433/mars-rover-lightening-space)
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