MAVEN Spacecraft, Operated by NASA, Witnesses Abrupt Disappearance of Solar Wind at Mars

NASA’s MAVEN spacecraft has documented the abrupt and unanticipated cessation of solar wind within Mars’ orbit. This hiatus has enabled the sparse atmosphere of Mars to undergo expansion, contributing to an enhanced comprehension of both solar activity and the dynamics of the Red Planet in scientific circles.

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft, operated by NASA, has documented the vanishing of solar wind around Mars. This phenomenon resulted from exceptionally intense stellar activity, creating a void in its aftermath and providing the Red Planet with relief from the constant bombardment of energetic particles originating from the Sun. The disappearance of solar wind is considered a key factor in the gradual erosion of the Martian atmosphere. In the absence of solar wind, both the Martian magnetosphere and atmosphere expanded by thousands of kilometers. This noteworthy event occurred almost a year ago, in December 2022.

During this occurrence, the swifter solar wind, comprising more energetic particles, outpaced the slower solar wind, acting akin to a broom that gathered and consolidated all the particles. This process gave rise to a stream interaction region, resulting in a unique void characterized by extremely low-density solar wind. The resultant decrease in pressure brought about profound changes in the planet, including the transformation of the typically magnetized ionosphere into an unmagnetized state.

While various spacecraft in orbit around Mars and Earth recorded the event, MAVEN distinguished itself as the sole asset capable of concurrently measuring both the Sun and Mars. Anticipations are high for more dramatic events as the Sun progresses towards solar maximum in the concluding years of the decade.

The research findings were unveiled at the Fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU). Jasper Halekas, the lead author of the study, expressed astonishment, stating, “When we first reviewed the data and witnessed the striking drop in solar wind, it was nearly unbelievable. We formed a working group to delve into the event, and this time period has yielded a wealth of remarkable discoveries. We are truly gaining insights into how Mars reacts when the solar wind is effectively diminished. This study serves as an exceptional outlier, offering a glimpse of what Mars would be like if it orbited a less ‘windy’ star.”

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