Nothing beats the cool sci-fi film scene where a film's protagonist racing against time is beamed up by aliens or other powerful entities at the last minute. But what if this beam could be used to remove junk from space?

This could soon be a reality as scientists develop a high-intensity real-life tractor beam that could nudge dangerous space junk out of the Earth's orbit. Here's how it will work.

<h2>High stakes mission</h2>

Removing space junk is a high-stakes mission. With the commercial space industry gaining prominence, the number of satellites in our planet's orbit is predicted to rise manifold. These would eventually wear out and litter the already crowded 'space junkyard' that surrounds the Earth.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/as-race-to-space-shoots-up-junk-in-earths-orbit-us-space-command-releases-responsible-space-behaviours-568413">As space race zooms junk in Earth’s orbit, US Space Command shares ‘responsible space behaviours’</a>

Scientists are developing the tractor beam dubbed 'electrostatic tractor' that could potentially help rid of dead satellites and clear space for new ones.

However, it is an expensive undertaking. Talking to Live Science, project researcher Kaylee Champion said, "The science is pretty much there, but the funding is not."

The prototype itself could cost millions, and an operation full-scale version much more.

<h2>How will the tractor beam work?</h2>

Behind the idea is Hanspeter Schaub, an aerospace engineering professor at CU Boulder. He came up with the idea in the aftermath of a major satellite collision in 2009 — when Iridium 33, an active communications satellite, smashed into Kosmos 2251, a defunct Russian military spacecraft.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-perseverance-rovers-pictures-raise-question-can-humanity-be-trusted-with-other-planets-488883">NASA Perseverance rover's pictures raise question: Can humanity be trusted with other planets?</a>

He speculates that a spacecraft could be pulled out of harm's way by using attraction between two objects, one charged positively and one negatively. This attraction can be used to make the objects "stick" together, and then the defunct satellite could be pulled away and released into space to drift forever.

Schaub and his team have spent a decade on developing the idea, which one day might help clear the "prime estate" of space orbit.

<h2>Why is removing space junk important?</h2>

Space junk can put space missions and satellite launches at significant risk. Upon launch, the space vehicles can potentially collide with the junk that is crowding the planet's orbit. This junk could also plummet down into the Earth's atmosphere, and pollute the atmosphere with metals, obscuring our view of the cosmos.

In a statement released a few months back, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said: "If left unchecked, the accumulation of orbital debris will increase the risk of collisions and clutter orbits used for human spaceflight and satellites providing communications, weather and Global Positioning System services."&nbsp;

As per the FAA, as of July 2023, the Earth's orbit contains over 23,000 orbital objects of sizes 10 cm and above. Furthermore, there are around one-half million objects sized between 1 and 10 cm, over 100 million larger than 1mm.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nothing beats the cool sci-fi film scene where a film's protagonist racing against time is beamed up by aliens or other powerful entities at the last minute. But what if this beam could be used to remove junk from space?

Nothing beats the cool sci-fi film scene where a film's protagonist racing against time is beamed up by aliens or other powerful entities at the last minute. But what if this beam could be used to remove junk from space? This could soon be a reality as scientists develop a high-intensity real-life tractor beam that could nudge dangerous space junk out of the Earth's orbit. Here's how it will work. High stakes mission Removing space junk is a high-stakes mission. With the commercial space industry gaining prominence, the number of satellites in our planet's orbit is predicted to rise manifold. These would eventually wear out and litter the already crowded 'space junkyard' that surrounds the Earth. Also read | As space race zooms junk in Earth’s orbit, US Space Command shares ‘responsible space behaviours’ Scientists are developing the tractor beam dubbed 'electrostatic tractor' that could potentially help rid of dead satellites and clear space for new ones. However, it is an expensive undertaking. Talking to Live Science, project researcher Kaylee Champion said, "The science is pretty much there, but the funding is not." The prototype itself could cost millions, and an operation full-scale version much more. How will the tractor beam work? Behind the idea is Hanspeter Schaub, an aerospace engineering professor at CU Boulder. He came up with the idea in the aftermath of a major satellite collision in 2009 — when Iridium 33, an active communications satellite, smashed into Kosmos 2251, a defunct Russian military spacecraft. Also read | NASA Perseverance rover's pictures raise question: Can humanity be trusted with other planets? He speculates that a spacecraft could be pulled out of harm's way by using attraction between two objects, one charged positively and one negatively. This attraction can be used to make the objects "stick" together, and then the defunct satellite could be pulled away and released into space to drift forever. Schaub and his team have spent a decade on developing the idea, which one day might help clear the "prime estate" of space orbit. Why is removing space junk important? Space junk can put space missions and satellite launches at significant risk. Upon launch, the space vehicles can potentially collide with the junk that is crowding the planet's orbit. This junk could also plummet down into the Earth's atmosphere, and pollute the atmosphere with metals, obscuring our view of the cosmos. In a statement released a few months back, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said: "If left unchecked, the accumulation of orbital debris will increase the risk of collisions and clutter orbits used for human spaceflight and satellites providing communications, weather and Global Positioning System services." As per the FAA, as of July 2023, the Earth's orbit contains over 23,000 orbital objects of sizes 10 cm and above. Furthermore, there are around one-half million objects sized between 1 and 10 cm, over 100 million larger than 1mm. (With inputs from agencies)

'Beam me up, Scotty': Scientists to use sci-fi beam to get rid of real space junk

NASA's 'six-wheeled geologist,' the Perseverance rover has captured a Martian dust devil on camera.

The video was captured on August 30, 2023, day 899th Martian day or sol of the mission.

<h2>What is a dust devil?</h2>

A dust devil is a dust tornado, similar to the tornadoes we see on Earth. Generally, Martian tornadoes are smaller than the one we see on our planet.

However, the one recently captured by NASA, as per calculations based on the tornado's shadow, was about two&nbsp;kilometres (1.2 miles) in height — much taller than the average tornado the US experiences every year, and about five times the height of the US Empire State Building.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/55-chinese-sailors-die-of-poisoning-asphyxiation-in-catastrophic-nuclear-submarine-accident-642315">55 Chinese sailors die of poisoning, asphyxiation in catastrophic nuclear submarine accident</a>

Mark Lemmon, a planetary scientist at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colorado, said: "We don't see the top of the dust devil, but the shadow it throws gives us a good indication of its height"

Lemmon, who is a member of the Perseverance science team, said, "Most are vertical columns. If this dust devil were configured that way, its shadow would indicate it is about 1.2 miles (2 kilometres) in height.”

The rover spotted the dust devil on a location nicknamed "Thorofare Ridge." It was about four kilometres or 2.5 miles away from the Perseverance Rover and was moving at a speed of about 19 kilometres per hour or 12mph.

As per estimates, its width was about 200 feet (or 60 metres).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/india-once-again-sets-sight-on-mars-readies-to-launch-mangalyaan-2-641709">India once again sets sights on Mars, readies to launch Mangalyaan-2</a>

NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) has shared a video of the dust devil. Composed of 21 frames, the video has been sped up 20 times to showcase the tornado.

Watch the video here:

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Mars dust devil caught in action! This video, which is sped up 20 times, was captured by one of my navigation cameras. 📸 More on what my team is learning: <a href="https://t.co/PhaOYOTrFH">https://t.co/PhaOYOTrFH</a> <a href="https://t.co/vRaAVszcm5">pic.twitter.com/vRaAVszcm5</a>
— NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere/status/1707804949860724973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>What does a dust devil do?</h2>

Dust devils, as per NASA, are one of the mechanisms&nbsp;"that move and redistribute dust around Mars."

These help scientists understand the Martian atmosphere better and improve weather models.

The Perseverance rover is part of NASA's Moon to Mars exploration approach, which includes Artemis missions to the Moon.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA's 'six-wheeled geologist,' the Perseverance rover has captured a Martian dust devil on camera. The video was captured on August 30, 2023, day 899th Martian day or sol of the mission.

NASA's 'six-wheeled geologist,' the Perseverance rover has captured a Martian dust devil on camera. The video was captured on August 30, 2023, day 899th Martian day or sol of the mission. What is a dust devil? A dust devil is a dust tornado, similar to the tornadoes we see on Earth. Generally, Martian tornadoes are smaller than the one we see on our planet. However, the one recently captured by NASA, as per calculations based on the tornado's shadow, was about two kilometres (1.2 miles) in height — much taller than the average tornado the US experiences every year, and about five times the height of the US Empire State Building. Also read | 55 Chinese sailors die of poisoning, asphyxiation in catastrophic nuclear submarine accident Mark Lemmon, a planetary scientist at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colorado, said: "We don't see the top of the dust devil, but the shadow it throws gives us a good indication of its height" Lemmon, who is a member of the Perseverance science team, said, "Most are vertical columns. If this dust devil were configured that way, its shadow would indicate it is about 1.2 miles (2 kilometres) in height.” The rover spotted the dust devil on a location nicknamed "Thorofare Ridge." It was about four kilometres or 2.5 miles away from the Perseverance Rover and was moving at a speed of about 19 kilometres per hour or 12mph. As per estimates, its width was about 200 feet (or 60 metres). Also read | India once again sets sights on Mars, readies to launch Mangalyaan-2 NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) has shared a video of the dust devil. Composed of 21 frames, the video has been sped up 20 times to showcase the tornado. Watch the video here: Mars dust devil caught in action! This video, which is sped up 20 times, was captured by one of my navigation cameras. 📸 More on what my team is learning: https://t.co/PhaOYOTrFH pic.twitter.com/vRaAVszcm5 — NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) September 29, 2023 × What does a dust devil do? Dust devils, as per NASA, are one of the mechanisms "that move and redistribute dust around Mars." These help scientists understand the Martian atmosphere better and improve weather models. The Perseverance rover is part of NASA's Moon to Mars exploration approach, which includes Artemis missions to the Moon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

A two-kilometre-tall 'dust devil' has been caught on camera, but not on Earth

As humanity reaches out towards space, thousands of commercial satellites are being launched into Earth's orbit. The launch of these satellites at a record, breakneck speed has also spurred a growing swarm of space debris, which has become the cause of concern for governments and private companies alike. In a bid to establish norms in the orbit, the US Space Command on Friday released a formal list of what it considers "responsible space behaviours."

Watch |&nbsp;Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem?

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The norms, as per Reuters, comprise a section on space debris urging space players to dispose of defunct satellites safely. It also calls on companies to notify other operators if any problems with their spacecraft might pose a debris hazard.

"You have to find a way to allow the economy to grow in the space domain, and in order to do that you need to make sure that it remains sustainable," said Brigadier General Richard Zellmann, deputy director of the command's operations unit while talking to Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-perseverance-rovers-pictures-raise-question-can-humanity-be-trusted-with-other-planets-488883">NASA Perseverance rover's pictures raise question: Can humanity be trusted with other planets?</a>

"Key to that is going to be ensuring that we can either solve that debris problem or at least mitigate it to the point that it's acceptable," he added.

The private sector, too, is attempting to control littering in orbit. Reportedly, Neumann Space, an&nbsp;Australia-based company, is developing technology that could help recycle old defunct satellites into fuel. A test satellite may be launched in coming June this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/narrow-escape-international-space-station-dodges-space-debris-from-russian-anti-satellite-test-490218">Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test</a>

"It's great because you can do mission extension by refuelling with what's already in space," said Neumann Chief Executive Herve Astier. "Using the metal that's already there, that's a way to move forward in terms of sustainability," he added.

Another firm, Tokyo-based Astroscale, is testing a debris-removing device called ELSA. The device latches onto defunct satellites and drags them towards Earth's atmosphere, where they undergo a fiery disposal upon entering the planet's atmosphere.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As humanity reaches out towards space, thousands of commercial satellites are being launched into Earth's orbit. The launch of these satellites at a record, breakneck speed has also spurred a growing swarm of space debris, which has become the cause of concern for governments and private companies alike.

As humanity reaches out towards space, thousands of commercial satellites are being launched into Earth's orbit. The launch of these satellites at a record, breakneck speed has also spurred a growing swarm of space debris, which has become the cause of concern for governments and private companies alike. In a bid to establish norms in the orbit, the US Space Command on Friday released a formal list of what it considers "responsible space behaviours." Watch | Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem? The norms, as per Reuters, comprise a section on space debris urging space players to dispose of defunct satellites safely. It also calls on companies to notify other operators if any problems with their spacecraft might pose a debris hazard. "You have to find a way to allow the economy to grow in the space domain, and in order to do that you need to make sure that it remains sustainable," said Brigadier General Richard Zellmann, deputy director of the command's operations unit while talking to Reuters. Also read | NASA Perseverance rover's pictures raise question: Can humanity be trusted with other planets? "Key to that is going to be ensuring that we can either solve that debris problem or at least mitigate it to the point that it's acceptable," he added. The private sector, too, is attempting to control littering in orbit. Reportedly, Neumann Space, an Australia-based company, is developing technology that could help recycle old defunct satellites into fuel. A test satellite may be launched in coming June this year. Also read | Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test "It's great because you can do mission extension by refuelling with what's already in space," said Neumann Chief Executive Herve Astier. "Using the metal that's already there, that's a way to move forward in terms of sustainability," he added. Another firm, Tokyo-based Astroscale, is testing a debris-removing device called ELSA. The device latches onto defunct satellites and drags them towards Earth's atmosphere, where they undergo a fiery disposal upon entering the planet's atmosphere. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As space race zooms junk in Earth’s orbit, US Space Command shares ‘responsible space behaviours’

The fascination we humans have had with the universe has been around for centuries and will continue to exist in the future. In our search for life outside of Earth, we have ventured to other planets. It is without a doubt fascinating to inquire about other planets, but can we be trusted to take care of them??

Look at the state humanity has landed Earth in. Our planet is suffering. Pollution is at an all-time high, climate change is a reality, and global warming is already making all life forms suffer. Are we taking action to save our planet? Yes. But, is it enough? No, the pace is too slow.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-dead-star-is-ripping-apart-its-planets-in-cosmic-cannibalism-488846" hreflang="en">A dead star is ripping apart its planets in 'cosmic cannibalism'</a>

Should humanity at a time when we can barely control the pollution on our own planet, be trusted with alien planets? The answer is no.

Recently, NASA's Perseverance rover, which is currently on the red planet has shared images that show the starting of plausible destruction our actions can cause on the red planet.

It has beamed back pictures of a piece of debris, stuck between martian rocks, the result of a robotic craft touchdown last year in February.

At first glance, it may seem like a discarded packet of chips, so you may not think much of it, since it is only one piece of debris.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Is an alien looking at us from Mars?

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However, the image has reignited concerns that space exploration risks 'contaminating' pristine other worlds and environments.

Tweeting about the debris, the Perseverance Twitter account reported “my team has spotted something unexpected: It’s a piece of a thermal blanket that they think may have come from my descent stage, the rocket-powered jet pack that set me down on landing day back in 2021.”&nbsp;

“That shiny bit of foil is part of a thermal blanket – a material used to control temperatures. It’s a surprise finding this here: My descent stage crashed about 2 km away. Did this piece land here after that, or was it blown here by the wind?,” it adds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-multiplanet-system-that-hosts-two-earth-type-planets-just-33-light-years-away-488616" hreflang="en">Scientists find multiplanet system that hosts two Earth-type planets just 33 light years away</a>

As per the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, under international law, it is an obligation to avoid harmful contamination of outer space, the moon and other celestial bodies. Professor Andrew Coates, a space scientist at UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory, while talking to the Guardian said that the risk of contamination is low given that all equipment is sterilised before it travels to Mars.

However, the image begs the question: Are we human scientists up to the task of preserving other planets and not soiling them as we have our own planet Earth?&nbsp;

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The fascination we humans have had with the universe has been around for centuries and will continue to exist in the future. In our search for life outside of Earth, we have ventured to other planets.

The fascination we humans have had with the universe has been around for centuries and will continue to exist in the future. In our search for life outside of Earth, we have ventured to other planets. It is without a doubt fascinating to inquire about other planets, but can we be trusted to take care of them?? Look at the state humanity has landed Earth in. Our planet is suffering. Pollution is at an all-time high, climate change is a reality, and global warming is already making all life forms suffer. Are we taking action to save our planet? Yes. But, is it enough? No, the pace is too slow. Also read | A dead star is ripping apart its planets in 'cosmic cannibalism' Should humanity at a time when we can barely control the pollution on our own planet, be trusted with alien planets? The answer is no. Recently, NASA's Perseverance rover, which is currently on the red planet has shared images that show the starting of plausible destruction our actions can cause on the red planet. It has beamed back pictures of a piece of debris, stuck between martian rocks, the result of a robotic craft touchdown last year in February. At first glance, it may seem like a discarded packet of chips, so you may not think much of it, since it is only one piece of debris. Watch | Is an alien looking at us from Mars? However, the image has reignited concerns that space exploration risks 'contaminating' pristine other worlds and environments. Tweeting about the debris, the Perseverance Twitter account reported “my team has spotted something unexpected: It’s a piece of a thermal blanket that they think may have come from my descent stage, the rocket-powered jet pack that set me down on landing day back in 2021.” “That shiny bit of foil is part of a thermal blanket – a material used to control temperatures. It’s a surprise finding this here: My descent stage crashed about 2 km away. Did this piece land here after that, or was it blown here by the wind?,” it adds. Also read | Scientists find multiplanet system that hosts two Earth-type planets just 33 light years away As per the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, under international law, it is an obligation to avoid harmful contamination of outer space, the moon and other celestial bodies. Professor Andrew Coates, a space scientist at UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory, while talking to the Guardian said that the risk of contamination is low given that all equipment is sterilised before it travels to Mars. However, the image begs the question: Are we human scientists up to the task of preserving other planets and not soiling them as we have our own planet Earth? Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NASA Perseverance rover's pictures raise question: Can humanity be trusted with other planets?

For years now, researchers have been attempting to collect samples from Mars' surface.

Multiple missions are underway to collect a pristine sample of Mars, ranging from China's Tianwen-2 to NASA and the European Space Agency's (ESA) Perseverance Rover.

Strategies have ranged from "grab and go" from the surface of the planet to collecting dust from the atmosphere to robots collecting the much-desired samples.

However, one question arises from all of this. Does this collection, and transportation of samples from an alien planet pose a risk for Earth?

Watch |&nbsp;All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens

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Think Andromeda strain...&nbsp;

In case you don't know, 'Andromeda Strain' is a movie based on a novel of the same name by Michael Crichton. It is the story of a US research satellite that crashes into a small town, bringing with it a deadly extraterrestrial microscopic virus which wipes out half the population.

Now, what if this happens outside of reel life? What if fiction becomes reality and we end up bringing a deadly virus from Mars?

As per a former NASA Planetary Protection Officer, Cassie Conley, "Since the beginning of space exploration, planetary protection has mandated that samples from Mars should be considered 'Restricted Earth Return'."

Talking to space.com Colney explained that this means it "requires the most stringent containment to protect both the samples and the Earth."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/science-fiction-of-reality-uk-to-build-a-solar-power-plant-in-space-heres-how-478462" hreflang="en">Science fiction or reality? UK to build a solar power plant in space. Here's how</a>

According to NASA, collecting and transporting samples is critical in answering one crucial question: did life ever exist on Mars?

The NASA Mars Sample Return Mission (MSR) website says "Only by bringing the samples back can we truly answer the question by using the most sophisticated, state-of-the-art labs, at a time when future generations can study them using techniques yet to be invented."

According to it, several panels of scientific experts from the United States and around the world have studied whether samples from Mars could pose a threat to Earth's environment. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-rover-found-alien-doorway-on-mars-find-out-truth-478650" hreflang="en">NASA’s rover found alien doorway on Mars? Find out truth</a>

The findings of these panels say that&nbsp;there is a very little chance that materials acquired from places on Mars, like those studied by Perseverance could contain a biological hazard to our biosphere.

While the effort is described as "low risk," it's wise to remember that it isn't zero risk.

But there is another possibility: robots and devices from Earth can very well take with them Earth microbes that can negatively affect Mars.

Is it worth the risk? We hope so.&nbsp;

For years now, researchers have been attempting to collect samples from Mars' surface. Multiple missions are underway to collect a pristine sample of Mars, ranging from China's Tianwen-2 to NASA and the European Space Agency's (ESA) Perseverance Rover.

For years now, researchers have been attempting to collect samples from Mars' surface. Multiple missions are underway to collect a pristine sample of Mars, ranging from China's Tianwen-2 to NASA and the European Space Agency's (ESA) Perseverance Rover. Strategies have ranged from "grab and go" from the surface of the planet to collecting dust from the atmosphere to robots collecting the much-desired samples. However, one question arises from all of this. Does this collection, and transportation of samples from an alien planet pose a risk for Earth? Watch | All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens Think Andromeda strain... In case you don't know, 'Andromeda Strain' is a movie based on a novel of the same name by Michael Crichton. It is the story of a US research satellite that crashes into a small town, bringing with it a deadly extraterrestrial microscopic virus which wipes out half the population. Now, what if this happens outside of reel life? What if fiction becomes reality and we end up bringing a deadly virus from Mars? As per a former NASA Planetary Protection Officer, Cassie Conley, "Since the beginning of space exploration, planetary protection has mandated that samples from Mars should be considered 'Restricted Earth Return'." Talking to space.com Colney explained that this means it "requires the most stringent containment to protect both the samples and the Earth." Also read | Science fiction or reality? UK to build a solar power plant in space. Here's how According to NASA, collecting and transporting samples is critical in answering one crucial question: did life ever exist on Mars? The NASA Mars Sample Return Mission (MSR) website says "Only by bringing the samples back can we truly answer the question by using the most sophisticated, state-of-the-art labs, at a time when future generations can study them using techniques yet to be invented." According to it, several panels of scientific experts from the United States and around the world have studied whether samples from Mars could pose a threat to Earth's environment. Also read | NASA’s rover found alien doorway on Mars? Find out truth The findings of these panels say that there is a very little chance that materials acquired from places on Mars, like those studied by Perseverance could contain a biological hazard to our biosphere. While the effort is described as "low risk," it's wise to remember that it isn't zero risk. But there is another possibility: robots and devices from Earth can very well take with them Earth microbes that can negatively affect Mars. Is it worth the risk? We hope so.

Mars sample collection risks bringing to Earth deadly alien virus. Here's what you should know

NASA has found that the speed of sound on Mars is a lot slower than on Earth and a “deep silence prevails” over the red planet.

The scientists came to the conclusion after calculating the speed of sound on Mars dating back to February 19, 2021, the day after NASA's Perseverance rover landed on the planet.

They found out that sound travels 100 meters per second slower on Mars compared to Earth.

Moreover, the researchers discovered that there are two speeds of sound on Mars — one for high-pitched sounds and one for low-pitched sounds.

On Earth, sounds usually travel at 767 mph (343 meters per second). But on Mars, low-pitched sounds travel at about 537 mph (240 meters per second), while higher-pitched sounds move at 559 mph (250 meters per second), NASA said.

“This would make it difficult for two people standing only five meters apart to have a conversation," according to a press release on the findings.

This peculiar sound environment is due to the incredibly low atmospheric surface pressure on Mars, which is 170 times lower than Earth's pressure, the study published in Nature on Friday said.

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For example, if a high-pitched sound travels 213 feet on Earth, it will travel just 26 feet on Mars.

While sounds on Mars can be heard by human ears, they are incredibly soft.

"At some point, we thought the microphone was broken, it was so quiet," said Sylvestre Maurice, an astrophysicist at the University of Toulouse in France and lead author of the study, according to NASA.

Besides the wind, “natural sound sources are rare,” the press release said.

But NASA scientists believe that Mars may become more noisy in the autumn months, when there is higher atmospheric pressure.

"We are entering a high-pressure season," co-author of the study Baptiste Chide said in the press release. "Maybe the acoustic environment on Mars will be less quiet than it was when we landed."

NASA has found that the speed of sound on Mars is a lot slower than on Earth and a “deep silence prevails” over the red planet. The scientists came to the conclusion after calculating the speed of sound on Mars dating back to February 19, 2021, the day after NASA's Perseverance rover landed on the planet.

NASA has found that the speed of sound on Mars is a lot slower than on Earth and a “deep silence prevails” over the red planet. The scientists came to the conclusion after calculating the speed of sound on Mars dating back to February 19, 2021, the day after NASA's Perseverance rover landed on the planet. They found out that sound travels 100 meters per second slower on Mars compared to Earth. Moreover, the researchers discovered that there are two speeds of sound on Mars — one for high-pitched sounds and one for low-pitched sounds. On Earth, sounds usually travel at 767 mph (343 meters per second). But on Mars, low-pitched sounds travel at about 537 mph (240 meters per second), while higher-pitched sounds move at 559 mph (250 meters per second), NASA said. “This would make it difficult for two people standing only five meters apart to have a conversation," according to a press release on the findings. This peculiar sound environment is due to the incredibly low atmospheric surface pressure on Mars, which is 170 times lower than Earth's pressure, the study published in Nature on Friday said. × For example, if a high-pitched sound travels 213 feet on Earth, it will travel just 26 feet on Mars. While sounds on Mars can be heard by human ears, they are incredibly soft. "At some point, we thought the microphone was broken, it was so quiet," said Sylvestre Maurice, an astrophysicist at the University of Toulouse in France and lead author of the study, according to NASA. Besides the wind, “natural sound sources are rare,” the press release said. But NASA scientists believe that Mars may become more noisy in the autumn months, when there is higher atmospheric pressure. "We are entering a high-pressure season," co-author of the study Baptiste Chide said in the press release. "Maybe the acoustic environment on Mars will be less quiet than it was when we landed."

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