Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Newsletter image

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Join 10k+ people to get notified about new posts, news and tips.

Do not worry we don't spam!

NASA's Rover Spots Mini Lightning on Mars

NASA's Rover Spots Mini Lightning on Mars

Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a significant advancement for planetary research, NASA’s Perseverance rover has revealed that Mars exhibits a higher level of electrical activity than previously assumed. Recent findings from the rover demonstrate “mini-lightning” igniting within the swirling dust devils of the planet, marking the first time electrical discharges have been documented in Mars’ sparse atmosphere.

Utilizing its SuperCam instrument, Perseverance recorded these intriguing signals while navigating Jezero Crater, a site noted for its ancient lakebed and dynamic dust storms. The data encompasses both auditory and electromagnetic components, providing a rare glimpse into atmospheric phenomena on a planet where weather remains largely enigmatic.

These dust devils, often soaring dozens of meters high, frequently traverse the sandy expanse of the crater. Though scientists previously speculated about their potential for carrying electric charge, concrete evidence was lacking. The rover’s findings solidly demonstrate that these rotating dust columns not only lift particles but also produce crackling bursts of static electricity strong enough to be detected from millions of kilometers away on Earth.

This revelation enhances our understanding of how dust travels across Mars, a critical process that influences the planet’s climate and occasionally cloaks the whole surface during massive storms. Grasping these electrical phenomena may also aid engineers in creating robust equipment for future robotic missions and eventual human explorations, as interactions with charged particles could affect delicate electronics or spacesuits in unpredictable ways.

With this groundbreaking discovery, Mars now joins Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn as a planet recognized for its atmospheric electrical activity. Researchers are now considering that other celestial bodies—like Venus, Uranus, and even Titan, one of Saturn's moons—might also harbor similar hidden electrical events, waiting to come to light.

Once regarded as tranquil and unchanging, the Red Planet has once more illustrated that its atmosphere is alive with unexpected phenomena.

Nov. 27, 2025 3:02 p.m. 591

#Global News #AI #Technology

Netanyahu to Meet Trump as Iran’s Missile Program Tops High-Stakes Agenda
Feb. 10, 2026 6:50 p.m.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington this week to press for tougher terms in negotiations with Ira
Read More
US Reduces Tariffs on Bangladeshi Exports to 19% in Reciprocal Trade Deal, Granting Textile Duty Breaks
Feb. 10, 2026 5:11 p.m.
The United States and Bangladesh have struck a reciprocal trade agreement that cuts U.S. tariffs on Bangladeshi goods to 19% and includes zero-tariff provisions
Read More
Leafy Chemistry: The Real Science Behind Why Autumn Leaves Turn Red, Yellow and Orange
Feb. 10, 2026 3:49 p.m.
As autumn arrives, trees put on a spectacular colour show. Scientists say the transformation is driven by light, temperature, and the chemistry of plant pigment
Read More
Understanding Why Not All Cancers Need Aggressive Treatment: A Shift in Oncology Practice
Feb. 10, 2026 3:46 p.m.
Recent medical insights show that many cancers can be effectively managed with less aggressive approaches, reducing side effects and improving quality of life w
Read More
US and India to Finalise Interim Trade Agreement Ahead of Broader BTA Deal, White House Says
Feb. 10, 2026 1:49 p.m.
The United States and India have agreed to work toward finalising an interim trade agreement as part of ongoing efforts to conclude a broader Bilateral Trade Ag
Read More
Kylian Mbappé’s Scoring Spree at Real Madrid Sparks Debate on Surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo Legacy
Feb. 10, 2026 1:56 p.m.
Kylian Mbappé’s prolific scoring streak for Real Madrid has fuelled discussion in football circles about whether the French forward could one day eclipse the le
Read More
Emergency Measures Hobble Cuba as Fuel Supplies Dwindle Under U.S. Pressure
Feb. 10, 2026 1:43 p.m.
Cuba has imposed sweeping emergency measures including fuel rationing, reduced public services and transport cuts as U.S. pressure disrupts vital fuel supplies,
Read More
Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza Kill Multiple Palestinians as Ceasefire Tensions Escalate
Feb. 10, 2026 1:37 p.m.
Israeli military airstrikes on Gaza have killed at least four Palestinians and injured others amid ongoing tensions and repeated violations of the US-brokered c
Read More
Study Warns Using AI for Medical Advice Is ‘Dangerous’ as Users Get Inaccurate Health Guidance
Feb. 10, 2026 1:26 p.m.
A major new study reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and tools may give misleading or dangerous medical advice, highlighting risks for patients
Read More
Trending News