The Speed Of Sound On Mars Varies Throughout The Day
A new study shows that the speed of sound on Mars varies significantly depending on location and temperature.
A group of scientists from the USA and France undertook to study in detail the propagation of sound in the atmosphere of Mars within the first 20 m from the surface level. Based on previously obtained data on conditions on Mars (temperature, pressure and carbon dioxide concentration), a model of changes in the speed of sound depending on these values was compiled. On Mars, temperature jumps during the day up to 60 °C and changes in carbon dioxide concentration up to 30% of the volume are common. All this, to varying but strong degrees, changes the speed of sound propagation in the air of the Red Planet.
Calculations led researchers to several interesting discoveries. In particular, they found that dust does not seem to affect the propagation of sound, just like on Earth, Live Science writes. The change in the speed of sound with temperature (about 0.5 m/s for every degree Celsius) is also similar to that on Earth.
However, unlike Earth, the speed and attenuation of sound on Mars is largely dependent on carbon dioxide levels.
The biggest difference from Earth comes from the huge fluctuations in temperature—and, to a lesser extent, carbon dioxide concentration—every day.
the proposed model will make it possible to interpret the sounds recorded by the microphones of the Mars rovers, because they will, in fact, record a distorted picture.
