Which key discovery made by NASA's MAVEN mission has significantly advanced our understanding of how Mars lost much of its atmosphere?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Measurement of the rate at which solar wind strips away Mars' atmosphere.
Explanation:
☛ NASA's MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission was launched in November 2013 and entered Mars' orbit in September 2014.
☛ Its primary goal is to study the Red Planet's upper atmosphere, ionosphere, and interactions with the Sun and solar wind.
☛ MAVEN provided direct evidence that the solar wind and ultraviolet radiation from the Sun stripped away most of Mars' atmosphere over billions of years.
☛ It measured that Mars currently loses atmospheric gases at an average rate of about 100 grams per second, which drastically increases during solar storms.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Lack of Global Magnetic Field: Unlike Earth, Mars lost its global magnetic field billions of years ago, leaving its atmosphere vulnerable to direct erosion by solar winds.
☛ Curiosity Rover: Landed on Mars in 2012 in Gale Crater to investigate Martian climate, geology, and past habitability.
☛ Perseverance Rover: Landed on Mars in 2021 in Jezero Crater to seek signs of ancient life and collect rock samples; it carried the Ingenuity helicopter.
☛ Mangalyaan (MOM): India's first interplanetary mission by ISRO, launched in November 2013, making India the first nation to reach Martian orbit in its maiden attempt.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ What does the acronym MAVEN stand for? → Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN
☛ What is the primary gas found in the Martian atmosphere? → Carbon dioxide (about 95%)
☛ Which planet possesses the largest volcano in the Solar System, Olympus Mons? → Mars
☛ What are the names of the two small natural satellites (moons) of Mars? → Phobos and Deimos
☛ Which Indian mission entered Martian orbit in September 2014? → Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)