Mars’ Magnetic Field: Progress and Puzzles

Planetary missions to Mars have enabled us to study its magnetic field environment - an important component of Mars’ history that is intertwined with virtually any other aspect of planetary evolution. Substantial progress was made when the MAVEN mission added wide-spread magnetic field coverage at lower altitudes than the previous MGS mission, and when InSight brought the first magnetometer to the Martian surface. I will discuss some recent findings from those missions and point out open questions. The most substantial step in future magnetic field exploration will be possible through regional exploration, e.g., with missions such as a Mars Helicopter.