In studying Mars’ atmosphere, which differs greatly from Earth’s, researchers have verified the velocity of sound on Mars utilizing instruments aboard the Perseverance rover. Attempting to converse in Mars’ environment may generate an odd result since higher-pitched audio travels quicker than bass notes, according to the new research.
It’s clear from this research that the martian surface experiences large heat swings. The thickness & heat of the medium wherein sound moves may affect its velocity; the heavier the material, the quicker it travels.
At 20 degrees Celsius, sound moves at around 343 meters /second in the air, but 1,480 m/s in the ocean. Mars has a far thinner atmosphere than Earth, with a density of 0.020 kg/m3 opposed to Earth’s 1.2 kg/m3.
Volatility in the Planetary Boundary Layer, a coat of air somewhere above the planet’s surface, is exacerbated by daytime convective air currents caused by heating of the ground.
As a result of the lasers plus microphones onboard Perseverance, we nowadays can listen to the noises of Mars. According to estimates based on our knowledge of the planet’s environment, sound travels through the atmosphere at around 240 m / sec closer to the surface.
Mars’ atmosphere is the sole one in the solar system to experience a shift in sound velocity smack in the center of the perceptible spectrum due to the peculiar features of carbon dioxide molecules under reduced pressure. Sound can travel upwards of 10 meters / second quicker at greater frequencies because of that.
The crew was also capable of fully utilizing the microphone to monitor massive and quick changes in temperature on the surface of mars that the other instruments were not capable of identifying.
The conference paper can be found here.
