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Solar particle events (SEP) can trigger significant temperature shifts in the lower atmosphere of Mars, according to research conducted by teams using the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO). While solar activity is known to drive weather on Earth, new findings indicate that these intense solar bursts influence Martian atmospheric conditions, including a recorded 50-degree Celsius spike during a 2018 global dust storm.
The 2018 Solar Impact on Mars
The connection between solar behavior and Martian climate gained attention following the 2018 global dust storm. This event ultimately led to the retirement of NASA’s Opportunity rover after 15 years of exploration. Researchers utilized data from the ESA’s TGO to analyze how five distinct SEP events affected the lower Martian atmosphere.
During the 2018 event, the TGO recorded a temperature increase of approximately 50 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) at altitudes between 75 and 125 kilometers. Lana Williams, a PhD researcher at Lancaster University, noted to IFLScience that while many SEP events show limited interaction with the lower atmosphere, this specific instance demonstrated significant heating.
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The 2018 temperature spike was exceptionally high compared to other recorded events. For instance, an SEP event in July 2021 resulted in temperature increases only one-fifth to one-tenth as large as those observed in 2018.
Comparing Solar Influence: Earth vs. Mars
On Earth, solar radiation serves as the primary engine for the water cycle and atmospheric circulation. Scientists are now investigating whether a similar dependency exists on other planets. Previous studies using NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) orbiter had already linked SEP events to faint, diffuse auroras in the upper Martian atmosphere. The new research extends this inquiry into the lower atmospheric layers, where rover-based measurements have confirmed that solar particles can penetrate.
Challenges in Future Martian Atmospheric Research
Data collection for ongoing studies faces technical hurdles. The MAVEN mission encountered an anomaly while positioned behind Mars in December, resulting in a loss of contact that the team has been unable to restore. Despite this setback, researchers maintain that the data gathered by the TGO provides a critical foundation for understanding the planet’s climate.
Avoid broad generalizations when linking space weather to surface events. Researchers emphasize that while the correlation is observed in specific cases, further study is required to determine the long-term impact of solar particles on the Martian surface environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can solar storms change the weather on Mars?
Yes, research indicates that Solar Particle Events (SEP) can cause significant, localized temperature increases in the lower atmosphere, as observed by the ESA’s Trace Gas Orbiter in 2018.
Why is it difficult to study Martian weather?
Are solar storms the only factor in Martian temperature changes?
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