NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft observed a light show in the upper atmosphere of Mars triggered by a major solar storm. The light show was caused by the interaction of the solar storm with the Martian atmosphere, and was observed by MAVEN’s Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph (IUVS) instrument.

The solar storm, which occurred on March 8, 2017, was one of the most powerful in recent years. It sent a massive cloud of charged particles, known as a coronal mass ejection, towards Mars. When the coronal mass ejection hit the Martian atmosphere, it caused the atoms and molecules in the atmosphere to become excited and emit light.

The light show was observed by MAVEN’s IUVS instrument in the far ultraviolet part of the spectrum. The IUVS instrument is able to detect light that is emitted by atoms and molecules that are excited by high-energy particles.

The light show observed by MAVEN is a reminder of the importance of the Sun’s influence on the Martian atmosphere. The Sun’s activity can cause significant changes in the atmosphere, including heating, cooling, and the production of auroras.

MAVEN is a spacecraft that was launched in 2014 to study the Martian atmosphere. The spacecraft is equipped with a variety of instruments that can measure the composition, temperature, and density of the atmosphere. MAVEN has been providing scientists with valuable information about the Martian atmosphere for over three years.