Srinagar, Nov 29: In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists say they have detected electrical activity on Mars for the first time, suggesting the Red Planet is capable of producing its own form of lightning.
The finding, based on data from NASA’s Perseverance rover, could reshape understanding of Martian weather, climate, and even the planet’s potential to support life.
Researchers analysing audio and electromagnetic readings captured by the rover’s SuperCam instrument identified “mini lightning” events within the Martian atmosphere. Perseverance has been exploring the Jezero Crater since landing in 2021, tasked primarily with searching for signs of ancient life.
A team from France evaluated 28 hours of microphone recordings collected over two Martian years (1,374 Earth days). Their analysis revealed that the electrical discharges mostly occurred during dust devils—small whirlwinds formed by rising hot air—and the edges of dust storm fronts.
“These discharges represent a major discovery, with implications for Martian atmospheric chemistry, climate, habitability, and future exploration,” said lead author Dr. Baptiste Chide of the Institute for Research in Astrophysics and Planetology.
If confirmed visually, Mars would join Earth, Saturn, and Jupiter as planets known to host atmospheric electrical activity.
However, some scientists are urging caution. Particle physicist Dr. Daniel Pritchard, writing in Nature, noted that because lightning flashes were heard but not seen, “some doubt will inevitably remain.” He said the debate is likely to continue until future missions with more advanced sensors capture visual evidence.
The discovery adds to a series of recent intriguing findings on Mars. In September, researchers identified rocks bearing “leopard spot” and “poppy seed” patterns—minerals that could be linked to ancient microbes, though non-biological explanations remain possible.
Mars today is a cold, dry desert, but evidence suggests it once had a thick atmosphere and liquid water. Perseverance was sent to Jezero Crater—believed to be an ancient river delta—to examine environments that might once have supported microbial life.
