Solar Wind Rips Up Martian Atmosphere
Friday, November 21, 2008 - 13:42
in Astronomy & Space
Researchers have found new evidence that the atmosphere of Mars is being stripped away by solar wind. It's not a gently continuous erosion, but rather a ripping process in which chunks of Martian air detach themselves from the planet and tumble into deep space. This surprising mechanism could help solve a longstanding mystery about the Red Planet.