A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have reached Mars, allowing researchers to observe “Martian auroras,” according to a NASA statement.

Solar activity follows an 11-year cycle, with the current peak, known as a solar maximum, resulting in increased space weather activity, including CMEs and geomagnetic storms, which produce spectacular auroras.

In May, a significant solar storm created dazzling northern lights visible across the United States, Newsweek has reported.

Over the past month, NASA’s Mars rovers and orbiters have captured remarkable solar activity, including a powerful solar flare on May 20 that emitted X-rays and gamma rays towards Mars, followed by a CME that released charged particles.

This space weather event was monitored by the Moon to Mars Space Weather Analysis Office at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

Written by B.C. Begley