Does it Actually Rain on Other Planets?
It has been established that some planets in our solar system have unique climates. This includes Mars, Venus, Neptune, and Saturn. Still, it has been long debated whether Earth sustained raindrops when there was no water present on its surface in the past. Astronomers believe that there is evidence suggesting that it did rain on Earth back then, and they've even published an article with the details of this theory.
It's essential to have a balanced view on scientific issues such as these because many people get caught up in one side of the argument without considering all possible theories or facts. New information is regularly known, and scientists are urged to publish the information they find from their studies as soon as possible.
Rain on Neptune and Saturn
Rain is believed to be present on Neptune and Saturn because of the effects of methane gas and ethane gas in their atmospheres. On Neptune, astronomers have observed a cyclone that's assumed to result from methane crystals falling from its upper layers. Cyclones are massive storms that generate powerful winds within them, so it can be imagined how powerful Neptune's cyclone would be if it were filled with methane crystal rain. On Saturn, a giant vortex has been observed in the southern hemisphere, surrounded by a rain-like substance. This substance is thought to be liquid methane gas. This shows that rain exists on planets with methane and ethane in their atmospheres. Raindrops are produced when water droplets freeze and form tiny crystals on the planet's surface, falling back to Earth from the atmosphere. That's why it rains both on our planet and other planets.
Astronomers have found evidence of gas particles outside Neptune's atmosphere falling into its upper layers via winds that circulate its core. Some of these particles are formed from ice crystals introduced into Neptune's atmosphere by comets or asteroids from outer space. These particles haven't been detected yet, but they're thought to be present in the upper regions of Neptune's atmosphere. This is a new theory as it has never been suggested that rain could form in the upper regions of Neptune's atmosphere before.
Neptune has long-lasting cyclones that circulate in its upper and lower latitudes. One scientist believes that this cyclone couldn't develop on Neptune if there weren't rain or some other form of moisture present on its surface. They believe that methane rain from cyclones forms crystals on the water's surface and subsequently forms gas particles, which fall into its atmosphere through winds. The particles collide with other particles, forming a vortex and becoming cyclones.
Rain has also been observed on Saturn. One scientist believes that rain is generated when ethane crystals fall through clouds on Saturn and collide with other particles. These collisions form ice crystals heavier than the particles surrounding them, falling below the surface.
Diamond rain is formed when large crystals of methane or ethane fall from the upper atmosphere and collide with substances at a lower level of their atmospheres. The substances that they collide with contain molecules of methane and ethane, which are broken up by these collisions and form raindrops, which are then propelled outwards by winds in the atmosphere. One scientist has issued a warning about diamond rain, saying that if an alien spacecraft crashes into the clouds on Saturn or Neptune, it will get covered in the substance and turn dark.
What About Rain on Mars?
There is little evidence to suggest that rain exists on Mars, and meteorologists believe that if it did exist, it would be very different from the rain we have on Earth. The atmosphere on Mars is thinner than Earth's and contains a lower pressure level. Water vapor in the air needs a higher pressure level to condense into a liquid phase. This can't happen on Mars since their pressure level is too low for this to occur. So, although it may look like it's raining in photos taken from Mars, the water particles are likely just tiny pieces of dust or sand blowing about in the wind.
And Other Planets, is There Rain?
Rain was believed not to exist on other planets because water vapor wasn't present in their atmospheres. It has been believed for a long time that the only way rain could be formed is if water vapor existed in the atmosphere of a planet where it rained. Some scientists suggested that this was not true, but until now, there was no evidence to support this theory.
Rain on other planets is a fact. It's real, it's there, and it's happening. Evidence suggests that water vapor is present in the atmosphere of planets that have cyclones. This means that rain is possible on some planets.
Bottom Line: Rain Exists on Planets with Methane and Ethane in Their Atmosphere
These substances are thought to be gaseous, and therefore possible that rain can form in their atmosphere. Rain on Mars is different from the rain we have on Earth because it's possibly made from dust or sand in the air and not liquid water. Rain on Neptune and Saturn might be diamond rain due to a high presence of methane crystals in their atmospheres.