Research Details Solar Wind's Role in Mars' Atmospheric Loss

A new study led by Boston University, published in Science Advances, details how solar wind interaction with Mars' upper atmosphere generates Kelvin–Helmholtz waves. These waves create large plasma clouds, driving the escape of ions and explaining the planet's significant atmospheric loss over time. The findings, supported by observations from NASA's MAVEN and China's Tianwen-1 missions, provide crucial insights into planetary evolution.