Lead author Baptiste Chide says the finding opens a new field of Mars science, including possible chemical effects from these electrical discharges.

Mars joins Earth, Saturn, and Jupiter as a world with atmospheric electrical activity, with potential similar processes explored on Venus, Uranus, and Titan by other missions.

The largest discharges are estimated at around 40 millijoules, producing audible, shock-wave-like signatures detected by the rover’s microphone.

NASA’s Perseverance rover has captured audio evidence of electrical discharges on Mars, interpreted as miniature lightning occurring mainly during dust storms and dust devils.

Robustness is strengthened by laboratory replication of triboelectric discharges and a Perseverance SuperCam replica on the ground, linking wind to charging processes.

The article places Martian atmospheric electricity in a broader context and references prior related work cited in Nature, including the primary Chide et al. paper.

The findings were published in Nature, led by Baptiste Chide with contributions from Ralph Lorenz and Franck Montmessin.

Laboratory simulations and data comparison show the sounds align with expected electrical interference from nearby discharges, supporting the triboelectric discharge interpretation.

Independent scientists note the data are persuasive but originate from one instrument, underscoring the need for verification with more instruments to conclusively confirm Martian lightning.

The researchers describe the discharges as ‘mini-lightning,’ capable of producing audible shockwave-like signatures similar to Earth electrostatic discharges.

Some scientists caution that the evidence comes from a single rock-analysis instrument not designed for lightning detection, leaving room for debate until additional instruments verify the findings.

The Nature report suggests these discharges could generate highly oxidizing atmospheric compounds, potentially altering organic molecule destruction and methane dynamics.