Did high-energy astrophysical sources contribute to Martian atmospheric loss?

TL;DR

This study models how high-energy astrophysical sources, especially dense interstellar clouds, may have contributed to Mars's atmospheric loss through ionization processes, complementing solar wind effects.

Contribution

It introduces Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the impact of astrophysical radiation on Martian atmospheric loss, highlighting the significance of interstellar clouds.

Findings

Interstellar clouds are the most significant astrophysical contributors to atmospheric loss.

High-energy astrophysical radiation can enhance ionization in the Martian atmosphere.

Solar wind remains a primary factor, but astrophysical sources also play a role.

Abstract

Mars is believed to have had a substantial atmosphere in the past. Atmospheric loss led to depressurization and cooling, and is thought to be the primary driving force responsible for the loss of liquid water from its surface. Recently, MAVEN observations have provided new insight into the physics of atmospheric loss induced by ICMEs and solar wind interacting with the Martian atmosphere. In addition to solar radiation, it is likely that its atmosphere has been exposed to radiation bursts from high-energy astrophysical sources which become highly probable on timescales of ~Gy and beyond. These sources are capable of significantly enhancing the rates of photoionization and charged particle-induced ionization in the upper atmosphere. We use Monte Carlo simulations to model the interaction of charged particles and photons from astrophysical sources in the upper Martian atmosphere and discuss its implications on atmospheric loss. Our calculations suggest that the passage of the solar system though dense interstellar clouds is the most significant contributor to atmospheric loss among the sources considered here.