SMRTR Science & EngineeringMay 29, 2025Interesting Engineering

NASA spots sputtering for first time, cracks Mars’ lost atmosphere mystery

SMRTR summary

NASA's MAVEN mission has directly observed sputtering on Mars for the first time, revealing how solar wind knocks atoms into space at four times the expected rate. This process likely played a key role in Mars losing its thick atmosphere and ability to sustain liquid water. The discovery helps explain Mars' transformation from a habitable planet to a cold, dry world and provides insight into planetary evolution.

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