Scientists throughout history have studied the effects of space weather. Over time, technology has advanced greatly, allowing scientists to gain a better knowledge of the workings of the solar system and thus a better knowledge of Earth. Telescopes and spacecraft have led scientists into the mysterious unknown - space. Due to advances made by NASA and other space researchers, the pieces of the solar system puzzle are finally coming together. There are still several mysteries yet to be uncovered and perhaps there always will be. Yet gradually more of the processes underlying the solar system are being uncovered, and each piece of new information leads to a better understanding of the inner workings of the universe. Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, has been especially interesting to study because of the similar characteristics shared with Earth. Mars has been visited and studied many several times since the first spacecraft visit by The Mariner 4 in 1965 (Arnett). Scientists believe that information recorded from Mars is necessary in order to study Earth's processes, especially the weather system. .
The study of space weather and weather on other planets provides scientists with information that provides a greater knowledge of how our planet works. Jonathan Lunine, a professor at University of Arizona, believes that studying the climatic states of other planets provides an insight of planetary atmospheres and the processes of their evolution. The conditions on other planets tend to occur for extremely long periods of time, which allows scientists to compare and contrast their conditions with those on Earth (Britt). The primary factor responsible for the effects of weather is the Sun. In addition to releasing coronal mass ejections, the Sun produces solar wind and solar flares. Coronal mass ejections are released by the Sun when the strong magnetic fields in the outer solar atmosphere are closed.