These atoms were found in the upper layers of the Martian atmosphere known as the mesosphere.
SOFIA clearly confirmed that they have detected a small amount of atomic oxygen on Mars.
SOFIA provides both capabilities saidPamela Marcum, SOFIA project scientist.
Atomic oxygen in the Martian atmosphere is notoriously difficult to measure, said Pamela.
SOFIA provides both capabilities.
SOFIA has been reporting for duty for some time now and has observed in various NASA space missions projects.
The Viking and Mariner missions of the 1970s made the last measurements of atomic oxygen in the Martian atmosphere.
SOFIA is a Boeing 747SP jetliner modified to carry a 100-inch diameter telescope.
It is a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Centre.
Researchers presented their findings in a paper published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics in 2015.
source: www.techworm.net
