The Chronicler's Web (TCW)

Martian Lightning

A 34-meter radio telescope, part of the Deep Space Network, was used to make the discovery.   While the discovery of lightning wasn’t so surprising, what was is the fact that the signals produced by lightning on Mars were so strong.   An interesting difference between Martian lightning and Earth-bound lightning is that lightning strikes on Earth can take the form of bolts while Martian lightning is more like heat lightning on Earth, flashes rather than bolts.  The depth of the lightning found on Mars was estimated at 22 miles above the surface, but doesn’t appear to pose a problem for future equipment that may be placed on the Martian surface since the lightning would have to be directly over the equipment to suffer significant ill effects.   One concern, however, is that such lightning could change the chemical composition of gases in the atmosphere which could become a legitimate concern for human habitation of Mars.   More sensitive equipment is being installed on Deep Space Network radio telescopes to see if more information can be obtained on this phenomenon.