SCIENCE LAB SCENICS : AURORAS WORLD [2 ]

As Auroras are the expression of a planet's atmosphere reacting to space weather, this discovery unlocks a new way to study the physics and chemistry of the Martian skies.

It also showcases the ability of scientists to track the evolution of solar storms, which can be dangerous [ and even lethal ] to spacecraft and astronauts.

But for now, the team is mostly thrilled with having finally found Mars's elusive, visible aurora. '' It was so satisfying ,'' Dr. Knutsen said.

Auroras can be spied on worlds and moons throughout the solar system. Although some appear as visible light, most glimmer in either ultraviolet or infrared. The same can be said of Mars's own ultraviolet aurora.

Dr. Knutsen's plan was to wait for a solar eruption, use forecasting models to see if, and when, it was going to hit Mars, and command perseverance to gaze up.

Her team began their quest in May 2023 and,  after several failed attempts, finally struck green gold in 2024, a year in which the sun was particularly hyperactive.

On March 15, the sun unleashed a potent coronal mass ejection, a buckshot of charged particles that was forecast to hit Mars on March 18.

Sure enough, the rover's camera's recorded a shower of green particles made from energized atomic oxygen.

The World Students Society thanks Robin George Andrews.