Atomic oxygen detected in Martian atmosphere

Scientists have detected atomic oxygen in the atmosphere of Mars for the first time since the last observation 40 years ago. 

• It was detected using an instrument on-board the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). 
• The detected atomic oxygen was found in the upper layers of the Martian atmosphere known as the mesosphere.
•  It was detected by using the German Receiver for Astronomy at Terahertz Frequencies (GREAT), an advanced detector on one of the observatory’s instruments. 
• The SOFIA was able to detect only about half the amount of oxygen expected, which may be due to variations in the Martian atmosphere.

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) :

• The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to construct and maintain an airborne observatory. 
• NASA awarded the contract for the development of the aircraft, operation of the observatory and management of the American part of the project to the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) in 1996. 
• The DSI (Deutsches SOFIA Institut) manages the German parts of the project which are primarily science and telescope related.
•  SOFIA's telescope saw first light on May 26, 2010. SOFIA is the successor to the Kuiper Airborne Observatory.