Investigation of magnetic field signals during vortex-induced pressure drops at InSight

The NASA InSight lander has recorded many pressure drops attributed to convective vortices during its first full year of data collection. However, although dust-carrying (dust devils) are a common phenomenon on Mars, they have not been observed in images. On Earth, magnetic signals associated with some dust devils reported. Data from the Fluxgate Magnetometer (IFG) provide opportunity for similar investigations Mars. Here, we evaluate whether daytime vortices. We incorporate observations environmental conditions, measurements ground tilt seismic data, and lander's solar panels, consider potential dust-laden generate observable field signals. find that 7.7% drop events greater than 1 ​Pa show resolvable signal at time drops. signals, typically seen horizontal components, less ​nT amplitude, no clear correlation local time, duration, or magnitude. During nine found smoothly varying least 0.3 any one component. To investigate origin these evaluated three possible sources: array currents (SAC), tilt, triboelectric effects lofted dust. SAC could contribute change but cannot solely explain changes strength theoretically be produced via effects, only case exceptionally large pass close lander. lack imaged small number signatures despite numerous measured is consistent most proportion laden predicted effects. • Mars data. 862 >1 exhibit < ∼1 ​nT. Dust-laden approach cause Most matching dearth devil