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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Marcia Dunn

Lightning on Mars? Scientists capture crackling sounds on red planet

Scientists believe they have detected lightning on Mars, thanks to the sensitive microphone aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover. The discovery was made by "eavesdropping" on the planet's whirling winds.

A French-led research team reported on Wednesday that the rover’s microphone captured the distinct crackling of electrical discharges. Over two Martian years, 55 instances of what they term "mini lightning" were documented.

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