For the first time, scientists have recorded a green glow in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum in the Martian atmosphere. This discovery, made using the NOMAD spectrometer on the Trace Gas Orbiter, could fundamentally change our understanding of Mars’ gas mantle.

The phenomenon of Mars’ atmospheric glow is similar to the terrestrial aurora. However, it has unique properties due to the absence of a magnetic field and the planet’s rarefied atmosphere.

Scientists have obtained valuable data to study the influence of the upper atmosphere, solar wind and chemicals, deepening knowledge about the evolution of the atmospheres of Mars and Earth. The NOMAD spectrometer installed on the Trace Gas Orbiter has become the main tool for observing the green glow of the Red Planet. Equipped with advanced sensors, this device allowed researchers to record a unique atmospheric phenomenon in the visible light range for the first time.

The green glow of the Martian atmosphere observed by the NOMAD spectrometer is the result of recombination of oxygen atoms colliding in the upper layers of the gas shell and emitting photons. This process is called ternary recombination: When three oxygen atoms interact, two combine to form an oxygen molecule, and the third participates in the release of energy as light. Thus, the green light emission observed in the Martian atmosphere occurs.

On Earth, such a glow often occurs during the aurora borealis. However, on Mars, where there is no global magnetic field, this phenomenon is only associated with chemical reactions. Therefore, the observations not only show similarities between the atmospheres of Earth and Mars, but also highlight the unique processes occurring on the Red Planet.

Observing the green glow provides an excellent opportunity to study the processes occurring in the upper layers. This phenomenon, which occurs as a result of reactions between oxygen atoms, opens new perspectives in understanding the chemical composition of certain layers of the Martian atmosphere. Scientists will be able to obtain data on the distribution and density of oxygen, as well as the interaction of the Martian gas shell with solar radiation. Relevant information is crucial to creating more accurate models of the Martian atmosphere; This will help plan future missions to study and explore the Red Planet, possibly including human involvement.

The observation of a green glow in Mars’ atmosphere was an important step in the study of the planet. It expands the boundaries of knowledge and highlights the potential for new discoveries within the framework of future flights to the Red Planet.