Scientists believe they have recorded electrical activity in the Martian atmosphere for the first time, suggesting the planet is capable of lightning.
NASA's Perseverance rover, which touched down on Mars in 2021, was sent to search for signs of biology and has spent the last four years exploring the Jezero Crater region.
Electrical discharges nicknamed mini lightning were picked up from audio and electromagnetic recordings made by the rover's SuperCam instrument.
Scientists hope new instruments for measuring atmospheric discharges and more-sensitive cameras could be sent to Mars to try to confirm the findings.
A team of researchers from France analyzed 28 hours of microphone recordings made by the NASA rover over two Martian years (or 1,374 Earth days).
They found that electrical discharges were normally associated with dust devils and dust storm fronts.
Dust devils are small whirlwinds that form from hot air rising from the ground, and their internal movements can give rise to electrical discharges.
Lead author of the research, Dr. Baptiste Chide, expressed the significance of this discovery, noting its implications for Martian atmospheric chemistry, climate, habitability, and future exploration.
He mentioned, These discharges represent a major discovery, with direct implications for Martian atmospheric chemistry, climate, habitability and the future of robotic and human exploration.
Other scientists have pointed out that while these recordings provide evidence of dust-induced discharges, some skepticism remains about whether this truly constitutes lightning on Mars.
In recent months, additional discoveries related to Mars' geological history suggest it may have once harbored conditions conducive to life. As Mars is studied further, the possibility of its past atmosphere and water continues to fuel curiosity among researchers.
