'Stolen' electrons spark unusual auroras on Mars
By Samantha Mathewson
July 25, 2018, 11:14:49 AM EDT
Share this article:
A new type of aurora has been spotted on Mars, and thieving streams of solar wind may be to blame, a new study shows.
Unlike auroras on Earth, which are caused by electrons and are generally seen near the poles, the auroras on Mars are triggered by an influx of protons and occur over much of the dayside of the Red Planet, where auroras are very hard to see.
Using the Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph on NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) orbiter, astronomers observed that, on occasion, the ultraviolet light coming from hydrogen gas in Mars' upper atmosphere would mysteriously brighten for a few hours. These brightening events happened at the same time that the orbiter's Solar Wind Ion Analyzer (SWIA) instrument measured an increase in solar-wind protons (charged particles released from the sun), according to the study.
This image shows the formation of a proton aurora at Mars. A solar-wind proton races toward Mars, hitting a cloud of hydrogen surrounding the planet and stealing an electron from one of those hydrogen atoms to become neutral. The atom can then pass through the magnetic bow shock surrounding Mars because it no longer carries a charge, and it collides with gas molecules in Mars' atmosphere to produce ultraviolet light.Credit: Dan Gallagher/NASA/MAVEN/Goddard Space Flight Center 
Generally, Mars' "bow shock" — a magnetic obstacle surrounding the planet — would divert charged particles from the solar wind. However, the researchers found that, in this case, the charged particles "steal" electrons in order to sneak into the planet's upper atmosphere.
"As they approach Mars, the protons coming in with the solar wind transform into neutral atoms by stealing electrons from the outer edge of the huge cloud of hydrogen surrounding the planet," Justin Deighan, a researcher at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder and lead author of the new study, said in a statementfrom NASA Monday (July 23). "The bow shock can only divert charged particles, so these neutral atoms continue right on through."
More Weather News
-
Thanksgiving travel: Most areas of US to dodge major weather-related issues with exception a few pockets of snowfall, rain
Weather News - November 13, 2018, 1:37:07 PM EST
The overall weather pattern is looking much less-stormy for millions that will be taking to the roads and the skies ahead of Thanksgiving starting this weekend across the United States.
-
How to avoid irritated, dried-out eyes while wearing contact lenses in cold weather
Weather News
During the colder months, the chilly, dry air can zap moisture from the eyes, making contact lenses more likely to irritate a person’s vision.
-
Tropical showers to impact Puerto Rico to the Bahamas this week
Weather News - November 13, 2018, 12:47:16 PM EST
The recent lull in tropical activity across the Atlantic Ocean comes to an end this week.
-
Leonid meteor shower: Saturday night's peak to spark 20 meteors per hour in the night sky
Weather News - November 13, 2018, 1:15:48 PM EST
The weekend before Thanksgiving will bring one of the last major meteor shows of the year as the Leonids streak across the sky.
-
Rain, thunderstorms to heighten flooding risk for Buenos Aires, Montevideo through Tuesday
Weather News - November 13, 2018, 12:40:08 PM EST
Heavy rain and thunderstorms slammed parts of Argentina over the weekend, and more is on the way through Tuesday.
-
Cyclone Gaja to strike Tamil Nadu with flooding, damaging winds through late week
Weather News - November 13, 2018, 9:44:45 AM EST
Cyclonic Storm Gaja, which formed this past weekend in the Bay of Bengal, will track westward through southern India in the coming days.
-
Raging California wildfires to be doused by rain next week
Weather News - November 13, 2018, 11:58:20 AM EST
Firefighters battling the numerous deadly and destructive blazes across California may finally receive some relief from Mother Nature early next week in what may become one of the most costly weather and climate disasters in United States history.
-
Dams: History, anatomy and common reasons for failure
Weather News
Dams date back to around 2950-2750 B.C., when the ancient Egyptians built the first known dam, but it's not common to learn about their purpose and how they work.
TRENDING NOW
Camp Fire claims 42 lives, becomes the deadliest fire in California’s history
The most deadly and destructive wildfire in California history continues to burn in Northern California in Butte County. The fire has destroyed hundreds of buildings and has placed hundreds of lives at risk.
Read Story
75,000 Los Angeles County homes remain evacuated, number of destroyed homes expected to rise as Woolsey Fire rages in Southern California
Extreme fire behavior will continue to challenge firefighters in Southern California early this week as they look to gain ground on two large wildfires.
Read Story
