The atmosphere of Mars as observed by InSight
Résumé
The atmosphere of Mars is thin, although rich in dust aerosols, and covers a dry surface. As such, Mars provides an opportunity to
expand our knowledge of atmospheres beyond that attainable from the atmosphere of the Earth. The InSight (Interior Exploration
using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport) lander is measuring Mars’s atmosphere with unprecedented continu-
ity, accuracy and sampling frequency. Here we show that InSight unveils new atmospheric phenomena at Mars, especially in the
higher-frequency range, and extends our understanding of Mars’s meteorology at all scales. InSight is uniquely sensitive to large-
scale and regional weather and obtained detailed in situ coverage of a regional dust storm on Mars. Images have enabled high-
altitude wind speeds to be measured and revealed airglow—faint emissions produced by photochemical reactions—in the middle
atmosphere. InSight observations show a paradox of aeolian science on Mars: despite having the largest recorded Martian vortex
activity and dust-devil tracks close to the lander, no visible dust devils have been seen. Meteorological measurements have pro-
duced a catalogue of atmospheric gravity waves, which included bores (soliton-like waves). From these measurements, we have
discovered Martian infrasound and unexpected similarities between atmospheric turbulence on Earth and Mars. We suggest that
the observations of Mars’s atmosphere by InSight will be key for prediction capabilities and future exploration.
Domaines
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