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Weather On Other Planets
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Scientists throughout history have studied the effects of space weather. Over time, technology has advanced greatly, allowing scientists to gain a better knowledge of the workings of the solar system and thus a better knowledge of Earth. Telescopes and spacecraft have led scientists into the mysterious unknown – space. Due to advances made by NASA and other space researchers, the pieces of the solar system puzzle are finally coming together. There are still several mysteries yet to be uncovered and perhaps there always will be. Yet gradually more of the processes underlying the solar system are being uncovered, and each piece of new information leads to a better understanding of the inner workings of the universe. Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, has been especially interesting to study because of the similar characteristics shared with Earth. Mars has been visited and studied many several times since the first spacecraft visit by The Mariner 4 in 1965 (Arnett). Scientists believe that information recorded from Mars is necessary in order to study Earth’s processes, especially the weather system. The study of space weather and weather on other planets provides scientists with information that provides a greater knowledge of how our planet works. Jonathan Lunine, a professor at University of Arizona, believes that studying the climatic states of other planets provides an insight of planetary atmospheres and the processes of their evolution. The conditions on other planets tend to occur for extremely long periods of time, which allows scientists to compare and contrast their conditions with those on Earth (Britt). The primary factor responsible for the effects of weather is the Sun. In addition to releasing coronal mass ejections, the Sun produces solar wind and solar flares. Coronal mass ejections are released by the Sun when the strong magnetic fields in the outer solar atmosphere are closed. This causes the release of bubbles of gas and magnetic fields that explode into space. Solar flares, which are strong but temporary releases of energy, are considered the solar system’s biggest explosion. The explosion is equivalent to around 40 billion Hiroshima-size atomic bombs (“Primer on Space Weather”). Earth is protected from the dangers of space weather because of its atmosphere and magnetic field. Mars does not have a global magnetic field to protect the plane from effects of the Sun such as solar flares. Mars also does not have an ozone layer. These factors cause the planet’s weather system to be erratic. Mars was not always without a magnetic field but for reasons unknown it stopped working 4 billion years ago (Mars Fact Sheet). Space storms do affect Earth, just in less severe ways than other planets. These storms can affect radio and electricity interference, leading to blackouts. They also cause problems for spacecraft observers and satellites that can cost around $200 million dollars to fix. Other possible hazards including disturbances of navigation systems for airplanes and ships, radiation hazards to humans, and climatic changes (Planetary Sciences at National Space Science Data Center). Despite the fact that Mars is half the size of Earth, it is the planet most similar to Earth, mainly in rotation rate and axial tilt of its orbit (“Mars Stats”). These two factors influence the weather and climate on both planets, so the more scientists learn about Mars the more they can learn about Earth. Mars, also known as the “Red Planet”, is very cold and dry. Though it is desert-like today, that was not always the case. There is currently no liquid water on the surface of Mars because of the low-pressure atmosphere and range of surface temperatures. Scientists believe volcanoes, plate tectonics, and the agents of water, wind, and ice have shaped Mars’ surface just as they have on Earth (Holmes). Similar rotation rate and axial tilt should make the seasons of Earth and Mars alike but the thin Martian atmosphere accounts for the significant differences. There is currently no active plate tectonic system on Mars but surface features are evidence for the once active plates. The Martian Atmosphere The Martian atmosphere is very thin and made of carbon dioxide (95.3%), nitrogen (2.7%), argon (1.6%), and traces of oxygen and water. The atmospheric pressure is so low that it is less than 1% of Earth’s. Mars does have a greenhouse effect but it only raises surface temperatures by 5*K (“The Planets”). The results of the Martian atmosphere effect the weather, and cause temperatures to rise and fall very quickly. Scientists believe that the early Martian atmosphere was basically steam and as the surface cooled enough water was condensed, resulting in a lot of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and methane. The combination of those gases produced a thick atmosphere that would be similar to Earth’s (“Weather, Climate, and Life on Mars: Frequently Asked Questions…Answered”). The most likely explanation for the density change is the loss of the magnetic field. If the atmosphere remained thicker then liquid water and precipitation would be possible, thus allowing the planet to become more habitable. The atmospheric circulation system is less complex than Earth’s because there are no bodies of water on Mars to influence wind patterns. Mars has its distinctive red color due to the oxidizing atmosphere that contains some material that produces iron in the surface ground, making it rusty. Temperature on Mars Mars is a cold planet with a range of temperatures. A warm temperature on Mars would be considered chilly by Earth standards. The average temperature on Mars is -67*F, and ranges from -270*F at the winter pole to 80*F during the summer on the dayside of the planet (Arnett). The temperatures are coldest the closest to the ground surface because during the night the ground rapidly cools the ground. Martian temperatures vary with each day except during the winter season. These variations are mainly due to the low- pressure atmosphere and solar heating. An average warm temperature is about 40*F. (Hubblesite Home Page).
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