NASA’s Perseverance Rover Detects Lightning on Mars

Unexpected Electrical Activity Captured

For the first time, scientists have recorded the sound of electric discharges in the thin Martian atmosphere. The Perseverance rover, exploring Jezero Crater since 2021, captured a faint crackling noise that matches the signature of lightning.

How the Discovery Was Made

The rover’s SuperCam instrument includes a microphone that continuously monitors ambient sounds. During a dust storm on Sol 489, the microphone picked up a series of sharp, high‑frequency bursts lasting only a few milliseconds. After filtering out wind noise, engineers identified the pattern as consistent with electrical discharge.

Scientific Implications

Lightning on Mars could have profound effects on atmospheric chemistry, potentially generating short‑lived compounds such as nitrogen oxides that influence the planet’s climate. It also raises new questions about the role of electrical phenomena in the formation of organic molecules.

Future Plans

NASA’s team will analyze the data in greater detail and coordinate with orbiting assets to locate the source of the discharge. The discovery will guide the design of future missions that might include dedicated lightning detectors.