The Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) has made a breakthrough by detecting the presence of “solitary waves” in the weak magnetic field around Mars. This monumental discovery was gleaned from detailed electric field data sourced from NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft. This marks the first time in history that solitary waves have been identified on the red planet.
Understanding the Discovery
Unlike our home planet, Mars lacks an intrinsic magnetic field, which allows solar wind to directly disrupt the Martian atmosphere. Despite this, Martian magnetosphere, albeit weak and thin, is speculated to host frequent solitary waves. However, these theoretical waves eluded detection until IIG’s recent discovery. These waves were primarily detected during Martian mornings and evenings, residing at high altitudes between 1000-3500 kilometers. The exact causation behind these waves remains unknowable at present.
Solitary Waves: An Overview
Solitary waves are characterized as distinct electric field fluctuations, either bipolar or monopolar, that maintain constant amplitude-phase relations. Despite their propagation, these waves exhibit minimal changes in shape and size. These waves hold significant relevance in numerous physical systems, such as Earth’s magnetosphere and now, Mars’ magnetosphere.
On Earth, solitary waves facilitate energization and transportation of plasma particles, which can influence the operational behavior of satellites and space-based instruments. As for Mars, while their impact is not yet fully comprehended, it is suggested that they could be instrumental in the loss of atmospheric ions.
The Planet Mars: Key Pointers
Mars ranks fourth in terms of proximity to the Sun and is the second smallest planet in the Solar System. It is roughly half the size of Earth. Mars shares a few resemblances with Earth in terms of orbit and rotation patterns. While Mars completes a full rotation every 24.6 hours, Earth takes slightly less time at 23.9 hours.
The Martian axis has a tilt of about 25 degrees against the plane of its orbit around the Sun, closely matching Earth’s axial tilt of 23.4 degrees. Mars, like Earth, experiences distinct seasons, although its seasons are comparatively longer.
Mars Missions: Past and Present
Several missions have been launched to Mars from different corners of the world. Some of the notable ones include ExoMars rover (2021) conducted by the European Space Agency, China’s Tianwen-1 Mars Mission (2021), UAE’s Hope Mars Mission (2021), which marked UAE’s first-ever interplanetary expedition, and India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) or Mangalyaan (2013).
A Remarkable Achievement
Undoubtedly, the recent discovery of solitary waves around Mars is a major breakthrough for IIG. While challenging existing understandings of the Martian magnetic field, this discovery unveils new avenues for research in atmospheric sciences and promises to expand our understanding of our neighboring planet, Mars.
