Archive · 28 Nov 2025
Scientists Detect First 'Sounds of Lightning' on Mars
Scientists have discovered what they believe to be lightning on Mars.
They used a microphone on the Perseverance rover to hear the sounds of electrical discharges, which happened during dust storms and dust devils.
These discharges, called 'mini lightning,' are very small and last from a few seconds to 30 minutes.
The thin Martian atmosphere makes the sounds faint.
Scientists are excited because this could help them understand Mars better.
However, some scientists want more evidence to be sure it's really lightning.
Scientists detected 'mini lightning' on Mars using a microphone on the Perseverance rover.
55 instances of electrical discharges were recorded over two Martian years, primarily during dust storms and dust devils.
The discharges were small, lasting from a few seconds to 30 minutes, and occurred within 6 feet of the microphone.
The thin, carbon dioxide-rich Martian atmosphere absorbs much of the sound, making the zaps faint.
Scientists are excited about the discovery but acknowledge the need for further verification.
- Who
- Scientists led by Baptiste Chide
- What
- Detected 'mini lightning' on Mars
- When
- Over two Martian years
- Where
- Mars, captured by Perseverance rover
- Why
- To study electrical activity and its effects
- Detection Method
- Microphone on NASA’s Perseverance rover
- Number of Instances
- 55
- Duration
- Two Martian years
- Size of Electrical Arcs
- Inches (centimetres)
- Distance from Microphone
- Within 6 feet (2 metres)
- Duration of Discharges
- Seconds to 30 minutes
- Atmospheric Composition
- Thin, carbon dioxide-rich