Rare 'superwind' phenomenon distorts Mars' atmosphere: insights gleaned from unprecedented event

It's common knowledge that the solar wind in our planetary system usually maintains a consistent intensity. Particles continually emanate from our central star, dispersing in every direction and gradually reaching the planets occupying our system. The further the distance these particles have to travel, the weaker the subsequent pressure that is exerted. Nevertheless, exceptions to this phenomenon occasionally occur.

Such an exception was observed in December 2022 when MAVEN, a probe in orbit around Mars, recorded an event known as a "superwind". At first, there was an extreme surge in particle density, which later dropped a hundredfold, resulting in a decrease in the pressure of the solar wind by about ten times. The aftermath of this event was what could be described as a "void" that prompted an unusual response from the Red Planet.

This decrease in pressure enabled Mars' atmosphere to liberate itself from what could be considered its "restraints", significantly extending its reach. Following this, the planet's ionosphere and magnetic field expanded by three times their usual scale—an extension measured in thousands of miles. Concurrently, a considerable "calming" effect was observed around the Mars' atmosphere. The remarkable findings were published on the NASA Science – Mars Exploration page.

Scientists have noted that occurrences like these are few and far between. Thorough investigation into this phenomenon could potentially provide answers to some pressing questions: how celestial bodies might react in different planetary systems, why Mars is gradually losing its atmosphere, and how the Red Planet might be different if it were orbiting a less wind-intensive star compared to the Sun.