Global circulation of Mars' upper atmosphere
Benna, M. ; Bougher, S. W. ; Lee, Y. ; Roeten, K. J. ; Yiğit, E. ; Mahaffy, P. R. ; Jakosky, B. M.
Année de publication
2019
The atmospheric loss processes that stripped Mars of most of its ancient atmosphere are poorly understood. Benna et al. analyzed atmospheric measurements collected by the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft as it repeatedly dipped into the red planet's upper atmosphere. Combining multiple observing modes allowed the authors to derive wind speeds and map the global circulation of the atmosphere at altitudes of ∼150 kilometers. In some locations, winds followed the slope of the surface topography far below. Such insights into the upper levels of planetary atmospheres are limited, even for Earth.</p>
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