NASA’s Perseverance Records First-Ever Mini-Lightning on Mars
NASA’s Perseverance rover has captured the first confirmed mini-lightning sparks in Mars’ dusty atmosphere. Using its sensitive microphone, the rover recorded 55 tiny electrical discharges during dust storms over two Martian years. These sparks generate reactive chemicals that can break down organic molecules, affecting future life-detection efforts. The discovery also highlights potential risks to spacecraft electronics and the need for better monitoring of Martian electric fields.
