Researchers from the University of Alberta uncovered unique Martian atmosphere gases trapped in a meteorite, providing insights into Mars' history. The Tissint meteorite sample suggests water was present on Mars but lacks evidence of life.
A PhD student at the University of Bristol spent two weeks in a simulated Martian habitat, where he and his crew members experienced life on the red planet. They conducted experiments, studied space suits, and even had a 'close encounter' with a desert mouse.
A study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital successfully controls space-age jetlag on Mars using a fatigue management program. The program, which educated participants on resetting their body clocks, improved sleep, alertness, and performance.
The European Space Agency (ESA) funded a study to test the shielding properties of Moon and Mars regolith against cosmic radiation. The GSI facility in Germany analyzed how well the stone slabs protect against radiation and produced neutrons when radiated.
The MAVEN mission is transitioning to its final phase ahead of launch on November 18, 2013. The spacecraft and instruments are nearing completion, with a focus on getting everything ready for launch and making science measurements on the Martian upper atmosphere.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a model that links solar insolation to layer formation in Mars's ice caps. The model demonstrates a correlation between ice and dust accumulation and solar insolation, providing a dated climate history for Mars over 1 million years.
An UCLA scientist has discovered that the geological phenomenon of plate tectonics exists on Mars, revealing a primitive stage of plate tectonics. The discovery provides insight into how the early Earth may have looked and helps understand the origins of plate tectonics on Earth.
Curiosity rover successfully landed on Mars in August, beginning its primary mission to assess the planet's surface radiation environment. Researchers will use the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) instrument to measure energetic particle species and provide insights into potential habitability.
Researchers found striking similarities between large Martian polygons and deep-sea polygons on Earth, suggesting a common origin. The team believes the Martian polygons were formed in a thick, wet, and weak layer of fine-grained sediments similar to those on Earth, supporting the idea of ancient oceans on Mars.
A new study suggests that Mars Curiosity rover may be able to find evidence of ancient life on Mars by probing optimal depths and locations for organic molecules. The research indicates that the rover's drilling range could detect simple carbon-containing molecules within 10 cm beneath the surface.
Recent research analyzed two Martian meteorites from within the Red Planet's interior, revealing a vast amount of water similar to Earth's. This discovery raises the possibility that Mars could have sustained life and suggests volcanoes as the primary vehicle for getting water to the surface.
Scientists used data from orbiting spacecraft to determine the size of carbon dioxide snow particles in Martian clouds. The study found particles at both poles are about the size of a red blood cell, with differences in size between the south and north poles.
Scientists uncover bacterial fossils in ancient rocks, revealing clues about life on Mars and the formation of iron oxide minerals. Researchers also study volcanic fields to predict future eruptions and develop warning systems for high-population zones and remote communities like Tristan da Cunha.
Researchers have created a massive database of Mars' impact craters, containing 635,000 craters over 1km in diameter. This will aid in dating Mars' regions and understanding water volcanism and potential past habitability.
Researchers find methane source: intense UV radiation from meteorites releases methane from organic materials. Temperature affects methane production, with warmer regions having higher concentrations.
Researchers discovered that meteorites can generate methane when exposed to sunlight, which could account for a large part of Mars' atmosphere. This finding informs future Mars missions searching for life and suggests that sunlight and debris from meteorites play a role in shaping the planet's atmosphere.
A new study by Carnegie's Andrew Steele provides strong evidence that Martian organic carbon originates from the planet itself, not Earth or other meteorites. The findings reveal insights into Mars' volcanic history and suggest the presence of organic chemistry throughout its history.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a computer model to determine how a wind-driven 'tumbleweed' Mars rover would perform on rocky Martian terrain. The study found that larger diameter and lower weight rovers achieve better performance, with a minimum diameter of six meters needed for acceptable movement.
The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has delivered magnetometers for NASA's Mars Atmosphere And Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission. The instruments will measure the magnetic field on Mars, helping scientists understand particle motion and the solar wind's interaction with the planet's atmosphere.
A team at Caltech developed a new method to measure sand dune movement on Mars, revealing rates similar to those on Earth. The research provides key data for interpreting the Martian landscape and stratigraphic record.
New research provides evidence of early Mars being saturated with water and having a significantly thicker atmosphere. The study used ancient volcanic eruptions and Martian surface observations to determine the atmospheric pressure billions of years ago.
High-resolution photos of Martian lava flows reveal coiling spiral patterns that resemble snail or nautilus shells, a new form of lava flow discovered by Arizona State University graduate student Andrew Ryan. The discovery suggests possible interactions between lava flows and water floods in the Elysium volcanic province.
A new validated method enables accurate analysis of flavanol stereochemistry in cocoa, providing crucial insights into its cardiovascular health impact. This breakthrough addresses important gaps in knowledge and has implications for future research and development.
A team of scientists, led by WSU astrobiologist Dirk Schulze-Makuch, is calling for a Mars mission with a strong life detection component. The BOLD mission would feature six probes that could detect signs of life in Martian soil through various experiments.
Scientists discovered tiny organisms thriving deep beneath a US asteroid impact site, supporting the idea that crater environments can harbor microbes. The researchers believe similar conditions exist on Mars, with drilling beneath craters potentially uncovering signs of life.
Researchers explore the geology of Mars, including widespread weathered glass, global aqueous history, and volcanic activity. Studies also examine the impact of human activities on river discharge, crustal anatexis, and electrical conductivity in the Yellowstone hotspot.
Researchers have identified a new type of landform on Mars, periodic bedrock ridges, which provide valuable information about the planet's geological past. The ridges, formed by wind erosion of bedrock, offer a unique window into Martian history and potentially allow scientists to study the planet's ancient layers.
Researchers develop three methods to improve gravitational field models of Phobos, using high-resolution shape data and comparisons show good consistency. The updated model provides a more detailed understanding of Phobos' physical properties, including its volume and surface gravity.
Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered a process where salty soils in the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica can absorb moisture from the air. This phenomenon has implications for the potential for life on Mars, as similar conditions are present on the Red Planet.
Researchers use aerial measurements from Washington State's Channeled Scablands to analyze Mars' jointed basalt columns, offering insights into the Red Planet's volcanic history. By studying the cracks and widths of these columns, scientists can infer the cooling rate of basalt on Mars.
Researchers analyzed Martian soil samples and found no microscopic clay particles, suggesting the soil has had a very arid history. The team estimated that liquid water on Mars was present for at most 5,000 years since its formation, making it unlikely for life to maintain a foothold on the surface.
The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) has measured the radiation a human astronaut could be exposed to during a recent solar storm. The data collected will provide valuable information for future human space exploration, including insights into the physics of giant clouds and shielding provided by spacecraft.
A team of researchers led by an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona has discovered that meteorite shockwaves trigger massive dust avalanches on Mars. The study found that shockwaves preceding the actual impact cause dust avalanches, revealing a new way impacts shape the planet's surface.
A team of scientists from Oregon State University has discovered microbes that can thrive in cold, low-oxygen conditions similar to those on Mars. These microbes use the oxidation of iron from olivine as their energy source, a process previously undocumented.
Five NASA Goddard scientists have been selected to participate in the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) and Cassini missions. Dr. Jennifer Eigenbrode will study high-energy ionizing radiation on Mars' sediments, while Dr. Daniel Glavin will investigate amines of biological origin using new Sample Analysis at Mars protocols. Dr. Michael Smi...
The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) is measuring radiation levels on NASA's next rover mission to Mars. RAD characterizes the radiation environment astronauts would experience during a future human mission to Mars.
The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) on NASA's Curiosity rover measures the Martian surface radiation environment, shedding light on habitability and planning for future human missions. RAD's data will help scientists assess conditions favorable for life and determine required radiation shielding.
Two NASA missions aim to discover what transformed Mars from a potentially habitable planet to its current inhospitable state. The Curiosity rover and the MAVEN mission will explore Martian terrain, atmosphere, and geology to uncover clues about the Red Planet's past climate and potential for life.
The 520-day Mars Mission simulated prolonged operational confinement on a six-member international crew, collecting over 4.5 million minutes of actiwatch data to evaluate the impact on sleep patterns and mental health. The study's findings will help scientists mitigate potential problems for future long-duration space missions.
The UH Mars Rover Model Celebration and Exhibition will receive a $414,000 grant from NASA to develop a stronger event, expand beyond Texas, and provide hands-on science projects for elementary and middle school students. The program aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Researchers established diffusion parameters for argon in jarosite, allowing them to measure the age of the mineral and surface conditions. This discovery provides a roadmap for studying Martian samples brought back to Earth, with implications for searching for potential habitats harboring life.
Researchers re-examining the Hesperia Planum on Mars have discovered a complex landscape with narrow, sinuous channels that defy explanation. The team, led by Tracy Gregg, is seeking help from scientists studying similar features on the Moon to shed light on the channels' origins.
Researchers at Caltech have directly determined the surface temperature of early Mars for the first time. They found that carbonate minerals formed at about 18 degrees Celsius, consistent with a warmer and wetter Martian past. This finding provides crucial evidence for understanding Mars' history and climate.
The Mars rover Opportunity is poised on a rock that may yield clues to the planet's environment when running rivers coursed the surface. The rover is sampling an impact crater produced during heavy bombardment, which could indicate conditions conducive to life.
Researchers found diverse mineralogies in two troughs of Noctis Labyrinthus, Mars, indicating a potentially habitable environment and liquid water presence. Additionally, studies on EarthScope seismic observations and the formation of high delta18O fayalite-bearing A-type granite reveal key factors for these unique rock types.
New life-detection tools up to 1,000 times more sensitive than previous instruments are being used to search for evidence of life on Mars. Researchers are also searching the planet's atmosphere for signs of methane, which could indicate biological activity.
The first manned mission to Mars poses significant challenges in provisioning astronauts with food, including weight, nutrition, and psychological factors. Bioregenerative systems that involve growing crops could supply food, oxygen, and purify air, while shipping bulk commodities is another option.
A new nuclear power plant design could provide a compact and reliable source of electricity for manned or unmanned bases on the Moon and Mars. The system is designed to operate in various locations such as craters, canyons, or caves, and can generate large amounts of power, approximately the same as powering eight houses on Earth.
Seasonal dark features on Martian slopes suggest the presence of salty water, which could indicate a habitable environment. The recurring flows may be formed by fluid seeping down slopes and have characteristics that fit better with briny water explanations.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has successfully completed its one-year exploration mission, providing unprecedented detail of the moon's surface and subsurface. The orbiter's instruments have captured over 192 terabytes of data, including the most precise topographic maps to date of the moon's complex landscape.
Jupiter's Grand Tack model reveals the planet's youthful travels profoundly impacted the solar system. The giant planet's migration toward and away from the sun altered the nature of the asteroid belt, making Mars smaller than expected. The new model suggests Jupiter perturbed objects in the asteroid belt instead of destroying it.
Researchers propose a new theory on Mars' small size and low mass, suggesting that Jupiter's early gas-driven migration stripped the region of formation materials. The 'Grand Tack Scenario' simulation explains properties of the asteroid belt and its compositional differences between inner- and outer-belt bodies.
A new study published in Nature suggests Mars developed rapidly into a small planet due to its rapid formation. Scientists used the radioactive decay of hafnium to tungsten in meteorites as a chronometer and found that Mars likely didn't collide with other embryos to form an Earth-like planet.
A new study published in Nature reveals that Mars developed in just two to four million years after the solar system's formation, significantly faster than Earth. This rapid formation helps explain why Mars is so small compared to our planet.
Scientists at Indiana University will study methane production in Arctic environments to help NASA detect carbon-based life on Mars and other celestial bodies. The three-year project aims to understand the conditions that support life on Earth and how they compare to those found elsewhere in the solar system.
A new study introduces an improved algorithm to detect and remove motion artifacts from full-body MRIs. The Motion Artifact Removal by Retrospective Resolution Reduction (MARs) algorithm enables better retrospective reviews of images and reduces the need for additional imaging, leading to improved overall image quality.
Researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have discovered formations in Catalonia resembling Mars' giant spring mounds. The study, published in Geodinamica Acta, suggests possible similarities in origin, shedding new light on the search for water on Mars.
Scientists suggest that bombardments of micro-meteorites on Earth and Mars four billion years ago led to catastrophic cooling effects, making it hard for early life to thrive. The influx of sulphur dioxide into the atmospheres of both planets could have plunged them into an Arctic winter, lasting millions of years.
A new analytical technique makes it easier to analyze rocks and soils on Mars, possibly indicating signs of life. The tool combines mass spectrometry with laser ablation and an ion funnel, allowing for in-situ analysis without sample handling.
Scientists have found that the sand dunes in a vast area of northern Mars are changing with both sudden and gradual motions, contrary to previous assumptions. The changes were caused by seasonal carbon-dioxide ice and stronger-than-expected gusts of wind, resulting in sand avalanches and erosion.