NASA | Studying the Solar Wind on Mars

The video discusses Mars's past atmosphere, evidence of water, and the Maven mission's role in studying atmospheric loss. It highlights the impact of solar wind and the instruments used on Maven to measure atmospheric changes. The potential for life on Mars is explored, and the video concludes with the launch of Maven.

What evidence suggests that Mars once had a much thicker atmosphere?

• Presence of volcanic rocks

• Strong evidence of running water

• Frequent dust storms

• High levels of methane

What is the primary goal of the MAVEN mission?

• To study the loss of Mars' atmosphere

• To search for life on Mars

• To analyze Martian soil composition

• To map the surface of Mars

Which instrument on the MAVEN mission measures the incoming solar wind?

• Solar wind ion analyzer

• Magnetometer

• Static instrument

• Langmuir probe

What does the static instrument on MAVEN analyze?

• Composition of escaping particles

• High energy particles from the sun

• Magnetic fields

• Solar ultraviolet radiation

Why is Mars considered a significant target in the search for life?

• It has evidence of running water

• It is the closest planet to Earth

• It has active volcanoes

• It has a thick atmosphere