The discovery of the blue light gas layer around Mars was initially made about four decades ago and has now been further confirmed by analyzing data collected by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Roscosmos-operated Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), according to Space.
An illustration of the TGO spacecraft detecting the green glow of oxygen in the Martian atmosphere. This emission was observed during the daytime of Mars, similar to the nighttime glow seen around Earth’s atmosphere from space – Image: ESA
The analysis of the collected data revealed that this blue light layer corresponds to the emission of blue oxygen gas. The strongest emission occurs at an altitude of approximately 80 kilometers and varies depending on the distance between Mars and the Sun.
Blue glowing oxygen is also present in Earth’s atmosphere. During the daytime, the radiation is the result of oxygen atoms interacting with sunlight, causing them to emit light at a specific frequency. A similar light can also be observed at night, but it is generated by molecules that have been broken apart and recombined due to solar radiation.
The blue light emitted by Earth is relatively faint and is most prominently visible when viewed from space, a sight often captured by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The discovery of blue glowing oxygen from Mars is unprecedented, not only on the red planet but also among all other planets outside of Earth that have been studied by humans. According to scientists, the greenish emissions can be generated when carbon dioxide in Mars’ atmosphere is broken down into its constituent parts, carbon monoxide, and oxygen. This process is similar to the one responsible for Earth’s nighttime blue glow.
A strip of greenish oxygen light visible along Earth’s curvature, captured by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2011 – Image: NASA
This finding holds particular significance in the study of atomic physics, quantum mechanics, and the behavior of oxygen atoms.
Furthermore, this new discovery provides a deeper understanding of the chemistry and dynamics of the Martian atmosphere. It offers insights into the origins of atmospheric composition, the similarities and differences between Earth and other planets, as well as implications for spacecraft design and future surface exploration plans on Mars.