Zwan-Wolf effect

Scientists studying data from NASA’s MAVEN Mission have discovered a rare atmospheric phenomenon in the atmosphere of Mars that had previously been observed only around Earth.

The discovery, first identified in December 2023 and detailed in a new study published in Nature Communications, relates to the “Zwan-Wolf effect” — a process in which charged particles are compressed and guided along magnetic structures known as flux tubes, similar to toothpaste being squeezed from a tube.

The Zwan-Wolf effect was first discovered in 1976 and has so far only been observed in planetary magnetospheres. On Earth, the phenomenon plays a key role in deflecting solar wind and protecting the planet from harmful space weather.

Unlike Earth, Mars does not possess a strong global magnetic field, making it more vulnerable to interactions with solar wind and radiation from space. Scientists observed the effect deep within the Martian ionosphere, below 200 kilometres above the surface, where electrically charged particles are abundant.

The data revealed that these charged particles were being compressed and redistributed across Mars’ atmosphere, providing the first comprehensive evidence of the Zwan-Wolf effect occurring in the atmosphere of a planet without a global magnetic shield.

Researchers say the discovery could significantly improve scientific understanding of how space weather affects Mars and other unmagnetized celestial bodies such as Venus and Titan, Saturn’s largest moon.

The findings may also help scientists better understand how intense solar events could influence future missions, spacecraft operations, and environmental conditions on or around Mars.

Source: NASA