ⓘ NASA via Unsplash
A simulated view of Mars
Mars is now a shadow of its former self, having lost its atmosphere. Most of its atmosphere has been stripped away by the solar wind, leaving it dry and cold. NASA’s ESCAPADE is currently on its way to measure the interaction of the solar wind with Mars and how it strips its atmosphere.
Previously, Mars was warm and watery, with a thick atmosphere, almost Earth-like. But over billions of years, this atmosphere wore away, leaving a cold, dry planet with a thin atmosphere. This was due to the solar wind, a stream of charged particles released from the Sun. This solar wind interacted with the upper atmosphere of Mars due to the planet’s weak magnetic field. This caused the planet to cool, lose surface water, and lose most of its atmosphere.
To investigate this, the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorer (ESCAPADE) was launched. This is a NASA mission consisting of two spacecraft. Led by UC Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory and funded by NASA’s Heliophysics Division, this mission will measure the magnetosphere around Mars, the strength of the solar wind, the atmospheric escape of particles leaving Mars’ atmosphere, and the ionosphere. Before going to Mars, the ESCAPADE will travel deep into the Earth’s magnetotail, studying the solar wind near Earth.
Usually, spacecraft launch when the Earth and Mars align, but ESCAPADE launched early, looping around Lagrange Point 2, and will use the Earth’s gravity to slingshot toward Mars in November 2026 with an estimated arrival in September 2027. This mission will help better our understanding of space weather near Mars and provide guidance on better shield design, safety protocol creation, and protection of astronauts and equipment.
Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 418 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.