Searching for new gases in the Martian atmosphere - Earth.com

Searching for new gases in the Martian atmosphere

02-15-2021


Searching for new gases in the Martian atmosphere Today’s Video of the Day from the European Space Agency describes the mission of the ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter to search for new gases and their sources in the atmosphere surrounding Mars. 

For example, ExoMars discovered that hydrogen chloride appeared during a global dust storm in 2018 and then disappeared again. 

According to the ESA, seasonal change that triggers dust activity is thought to be the driving force behind the observation. Principal components of the Martian atmosphere The atmosphere of Mars is the layer of gases surrounding Mars. It is primarily composed of carbon dioxide (95%), molecular nitrogen 

These unlock new secrets about the martian atmosphere, and will enable a more accurate determination of whether there is methane, a gas associated with biological or geological activity, at the planet. The Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) has been studying the Red Planet from orbit for over two years.  ESA’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has spotted new gas signatures at Mars. These unlock new secrets about the martian atmosphere, and will enable a more accurate determination of whether there is methane, a gas associated with biological or geological activity, at the planet.

Video Credit: ESA 

By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer

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