NASA Mars Ingenuity Helicopter Glows in the Dark Due to Dust in the Wind

Due to a unique phenomenon caused by the Martian atmosphere, helicopters flying on the Red Planet may light in the dark.

According to NASA, the whirling blades of drones dispatched to the alien world can induce small electric currents to flow in the air.

Researchers detailed the study titled "Will the Mars Helicopter Induce Local Martian Atmospheric Breakdown?" in The Planetary Science Journal.

It is the same mechanism that creates the corona on Earth and the light visible on planes and ships from time to time, known as Saint Elmo's Fire.

"The faint glow would be most visible during evening hours when the background sky is darker," said William Farrell of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre in a statement.

"NASA's experimental Ingenuity helicopter does not fly during this time, but future drones could be cleared for evening flight and look for this glow," Farrel added.

This type of charging occurs when friction is communicated between things like static electricity.

Helicopters Flying at Mars May Glow at Dusk

(Photo: NASA/Jay Friedlander)
This is an artist’s concept of a glow surrounding a drone at Mars during flight. The glow, exaggerated for visibility, might happen if the drone’s spinning rotor blades generate an electric field that causes electric currents to flow in the Martian air around the craft. Although the currents generated by the drone in the atmosphere are small, they might be large enough to cause the air around the blades and other parts of the craft to glow a blue-purple color.

Mars Helicopter Blades Contact With Dusts in Red Planet's Atmosphere

According to Space.com, NASA researchers discovered that the drone's blades contact with small dust grains in the Martian atmosphere as they spin. This interaction increased as the helicopter approached the surface.

ALSO READ: NASA's Mars Ingenuity Helicopter Preparing for Its First Flight in 2022: Where Is It Going Next?

The dust charge is transmitted as the blades collide, creating an electric field that builds to greater levels until it reaches the point where it can conduct electricity.

Because the Martian atmosphere is just 1% that of our home planet, this breakdown is more likely on Mars than on other worlds, such as Earth.

Because the molecules that make up Mars' atmosphere are less thick than those on Earth, free electrons that generate conduction can accelerate to high speeds before colliding with another molecule, causing an "electron avalanche."

Why NASA Rovers Will Glow On Mars But Not On Earth

One could question why a charge buildup that results in a brilliant aura isn't visible from helicopters flying on Earth. ScreenRant said it all has to do with Mars' unusual atmospheric conditions.

A modest electric field of roughly 30,000 volts per meter is enough on Mars, SciTechDaily said. But 3,000,000 volts per meter is required on Earth.

However, the researchers quickly point out that this is only a guess; the true effect may be weaker.

There should be some impact in principle, adds Farrell. But whether the electron avalanche is strong enough to cause a glow. Farrel said any weak glow visible during operations will be determined in future drone flights on Mars.

In reality, tiny electrometers might be placed near the blade and at the legs to track the impact of any charge. This type of electrical monitor might be useful for research and provide crucial information on drone health during the flight.