Based on data collected by NASA’s MAVEN spacecraft, scientists have confirmed that Mars experienced a massive system of metallic particles entering its upper atmosphere after the comet Siding Spring flew past.
Mars experienced a meteor shower last year that one expert has said was likely “mind-blowing.”
It happened in October 2014 when the comet known as Siding Spring sped close by the planet and left a trail of metallic particles.
Shooting stars were estimated to have flown over the planet at a rate of tens of thousands per hour for multiple hours.
NASA’s MAVEN spacecraft had detected the remnants soon after the event happened, but it was only when the flying altitude was lowered to nearly 78 miles high earlier this year that the presence of metal ions was confirmed.
It was determined that they originated from the comet and included a range of elements including aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, z
