Boffins say that the chance discovery opens up a 'completely new field of investigation' on the Red Planet after recording dozens of 'mini lightning' over two years (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona)

A NASA rover has uncovered what scientists believe to be lightning strikes on Mars .

The "chance discovery" was made by researchers listening in on swirling winds recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover. A team of scientists documented 55 instances of what they term "mini lightning" across two Martian years, or nearly four Earth years, which were chiefly detected during dust storms and dust devils.

The electrical discharges from these 'lightning' strikes were picked up by a microphone aboard the rover, with nearly all occurring on Mars' windiest solar days. The breakthroug

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