Researchers heard electric crackles on 28 hours of recordings made over two Martian years.

Scientists believe they have recorded electrical activity in the Martian atmosphere for the first time, suggesting the planet is capable of lightning.

Lead author of the research Dr Baptiste Chide told news agency Reuters: “These discharges represent a major discovery, with direct implications for Martian atmospheric chemistry, climate, habitability and the future of robotic and human exploration.”