Date: 11/05/2016 15:38:42
From: CrazyNeutrino
ID: 888206
Subject: Flying observatory detects atomic oxygen in Martian atmosphere

Flying observatory detects atomic oxygen in Martian atmosphere

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) has detected the presence of atomic oxygen in the upper atmosphere of Mars. The observation is the first of its kind for 40 years, and will allow planetary scientists to refine their models of the Martian atmosphere.

more…

Reply Quote
Date: 12/05/2016 13:47:26
From: mollwollfumble
ID: 888968
Subject: re: Flying observatory detects atomic oxygen in Martian atmosphere

Makes me wonder: which other planets and moons have atomic oxygen in their upper atmospheres?

Mercury does, I known that for a while, it’s mentioned in a book I have.
Venus does, according to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11161195
Earth does, according to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrosion_in_space
Europa does, according to http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v373/n6516/abs/373677a0.html
Ganymede does
Io does
Saturn does
Uranus does

None found on Pluto yet.

Given the large number of astronomical bodies in the solar system with atomic oxygen in their upper atmospheres, it would very surprising if Mars didn’t.

Reply Quote