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The Night Glow on Mars

Princy P. John 0

Night-glow is a phenomenon in which a planet's sky faintly glows, even without external light. The same phenomenon happens on Mars and this is attributed to the emission of nitric oxide.


The emissions are produced when UV light from the sun breaks down carbon-dioxide and nitrogen present on the day side of Mars. The remaining atoms across the planet is circulated by the high-altitude winds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw6TqF86KVg

On Martian nightside, atoms flow down to lower altitudes, where the combination of nitrogen and oxygen takes place, creating nitric oxide.


The energy created during the combination of nitrogen and oxygen is released as UV light, which is the reason for the illumination of the planet's atmosphere.

Princy P. John

Princy P. John is a qualified Physicist, armed with a Bachelor of Science (Physics Hons.) from St. Stephens, Delhi University and a Masters in Physics. She is an integral part of the Science channel at Zigya and oversees Physics content for all classes. She taps onto the pulse of events happening globally on scientific platforms and brings value to Zigya with her knowledge, wit and resolve. Princy also provides key management updates of the editorial board and aids in the decision making process at Zigya. Follow her work at www.zigya.com

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