Scientists analysing data from NASA's MAVEN spacecraft have, for the first time, observed the Zwan–Wolf effect deep within the Martian atmosphere.
- The event was captured during a solar storm in December 2023.
- The Zwan–Wolf effect refers to charged particles being compressed along magnetic structures known as flux tubes.
- On Mars it appeared in the ionosphere, below about 200 km, where charged particles were squeezed and redistributed during space weather.
The finding improves understanding of how solar activity shapes the Martian atmosphere and its climate evolution.