Astronomy
The Effect of Solar Energetic Particles on the Mars Atmosphere
Quick fact
A single SEP event can double Mars's atmospheric density at high altitudes, and the induced auroras have been observed by spacecraft like MAVEN.
Why this is interesting
The Sun's wilder tantrums can actually change the atmosphere of Mars, billions of miles away — but not the way you'd expect. Imagine a swirling storm of invisible particles smashing into a planet's delicate gas blanket.