Solar wind probably leaches Mars’ lower atmosphere

NASA's MAVEN probe spots energetic particles that could fuel gas escape

MAVEN

THIN AIR  Energetic particles from the sun could help gases in Mars’ atmosphere seep into space, new measurements from NASA's MAVEN probe reveal (illustrated here).

Goddard Space Flight Center/NASA

SAN FRANCISCO — Particles blasted from the sun probably spring leaks in the lower Martian atmosphere, new research suggests.