Flying Observatory SOFIA detects Atomic Oxygen in Martian Atmosphere

                Atomic Oxygen was detected in the upper layer of the Martian atmosphere known as Mesosphere. This presence of Atomic Oxygen for the first time since observation 40 years ago was detected by an instrument onboard the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Atomic oxygen affects how other gases escape Mars and therefore has a significant impact on the planet’s atmosphere. The research was published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.