NASA researchers have detected atomic oxygen in Mars’ upper atmosphere for the first time in forty years. NASA’s airborne observatory SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) has detected single molecules of oxygen in the Martian atmosphere. The observatory is mounted on a specially-equipped 747 that soars high above the earth (45,000 feet) and has a clearer view of the heavens than telescopes on earth. Science Alert reports: The oxgyen atoms were found in the Martian upper atmosphere – known as the mesosphere – and the discovery could help astronomers identify how gases escaped from the Red Planet long ago. While this is super exciting for our understanding of Mars – humanity’s potential new home – the researchers found only half the amount of oxygen they expected, but this could be the result of variations in the atmosphere. The last time atomic oxygen was observed in the Martian atmosphere was during the Viking and Mariner missions of the 1970s. So why such a long gap? Well, there’s really one thing to blame: Earth’s blue skies. “Atomic oxygen in the Martian atmosphere is notoriously difficult to measure,” said SOFIA project scientist, Pamela Marcum. “To observe the far-infrared wavelengths needed to detect atomic oxygen, [...]