MAVEN: Mars & solar coronal mass ejections

Two main types of explosions occur on the Sun: solar flares and coronal mass ejections [CME]…giant clouds of solar material that take one to three days to reach Earth. [...] From Sept. 22 to 26, 2014, we explore different aspects of these giant eruptions that surge out from the star we live with. [...] Now safely in orbit around Mars, MAVEN will observe the Martian upper atmosphere, including keeping an eye on just what effect the solar wind and CMEs have on the red planet. Such observations not only help us understand the history of what led to the desert surface we see today, but also pave the way for protecting astronauts on future…. [More at link, including video]