A new model predicts that the Martian moons Phobos and Deimos were formed from debris left over after a large impact between proto-Mars and a dwarf-planet-sized object. The model suggests that the moons' compositions will be similar to Mars, but they are expected to be dry due to lost water vapor.
Elon Musk presents an updated design for the Big Falcon Rocket, a powerful rocket intended to propel a space vehicle to the International Space Station and beyond. The BFR's updated design includes a huge carbon fiber tank and new fueling system to lower costs and achieve rendezvous and docking.
A new scenario proposes that Mars' oceans formed several hundred million years earlier than previously thought, linking their existence to the rise of the solar system's largest volcanic system, Tharsis. The model suggests that global warming and volcanic eruptions played a key role in allowing liquid water to exist on Mars.
Researchers have discovered that specialized bacteria can live in the soil of the Atacama Desert, going dormant for decades without water before reactivating and reproducing when it rains. This finding suggests that life could be lurking on Mars, where similar conditions exist.
The James Webb Space Telescope will study Mars' transition from wet to dry, revealing clues about the planet's past and present habitability. The telescope will also analyze the abundance of water and methane in the Martian atmosphere, shedding light on the origin of these gases.
NASA is developing a planetary wind lidar called MARLI, which will provide detailed information on winds on Mars and Titan. The instrument will use laser pulses and detect returning backscatter signals to measure wind velocities and aerosol distribution.
Recent publications by Dr. Joseph Michalski and colleagues cast doubt on the idea of surface life evolving on Mars due to extremely cold and dry climate conditions. However, they suggest subsurface life is a promising option, focusing exploration on hydrothermal deposits.
The ExoMars joint space mission involves two phases, the first launched in 2016 with Schiaparelli lander and Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), while the second phase is scheduled for 2020 with a new lander and rover.
Researchers from McGill University develop a miniature life detection platform to identify and analyze microorganisms in extreme environments, providing proof-of-concept for direct life detection on Mars and other planets. The technique has potential applications on Earth, including detecting pathogens during epidemics in remote areas.
Researchers develop a modular 'life detection platform' to directly detect and characterize microorganisms in extreme environments. The platform uses existing low-cost technology in new ways, enabling real-time analysis of microbial ecology and DNA sequencing.
Scientists have identified eight locations on Mars with significant water ice deposits, providing insights into the planet's climate history and habitability. The ice is found to be cohesive and strong, with distinct layers that could help understand changes in Mars' climate over time.
A study published in Physical Review E suggests that Martian winds were capable of digging up tens of thousands of cubic kilometers of sediment from the Gale Crater over a billion years. The wind-driven movement of sediment and dust is thought to have played a key role in shaping the Martian landscape.
A recent study published in Nature found that Mars' surface water was absorbed by its crust over time, leaving the planet essentially dry. The research suggests that approximately 300 meters of surface water on Mars could have been locked up in microscopic mineral structures.
A study on Mars- and Venus-sized planet formation suggests that low solar activity helped Venus retain its atmosphere. The model indicates that Mars lost its atmosphere due to low gravity and high stellar EUV luminosity, while Venus retained its atmosphere in scenarios with moderate radiation.
The MAVEN mission helps answer the question of how long a rocky planet might be habitable by orbiting a red dwarf star. Based on Mars' atmospheric loss data, researchers estimated that such a planet's atmosphere could lose charged particles and neutral particles at significantly higher rates.
Researchers found that Mars' atmosphere is well-protected from the solar wind due to its induced magnetosphere. The study, led by Robin Ramstad, suggests that only a small portion of atmospheric pressure was lost over 3.9 billion years, contradicting previous assumptions.
The US space exploration program should focus on robotic sample recovery and human missions to Mars, according to Scott Hubbard, Editor-in-Chief of New Space. He highlights the benefits of this strategy, including offsetting costs through international partnerships.
Researchers propose a new scenario for ancient clay mineral formation on Mars, suggesting clays formed during the planet's creation from molten magma. The steamy atmosphere created by the magma ocean could have converted vast swaths of the surface to clay, leading to the widespread distribution seen today.
A team of scientists from MSU developed a compact spectral polarimeter for studying the surface composition of astronomical bodies. The device operates in the near-infrared range and was tested on two minerals simulating lunar and Martian surfaces.
New research identifies Recurring Slope Lineae on Mars as granular flows, not liquid water, indicating present-day Mars may lack significant liquid water. The study supports the hypothesis that Mars is dry and limits Earth-like life near its surface.
Researchers found that CO2 sublimation can create unique features on Mars, such as Sand Furrows and linear gullies. These processes are unlike anything seen on Earth and provide new insights into Martian geomorphology.
The research found that Mars' magnetotail is unique, with a twist caused by magnetic reconnection between the solar wind and embedded surface fields. This process may also propel some of Mars' atmosphere into space.
A NASA study reveals that powerful solar eruptions could charge areas of the Martian moon Phobos to hundreds of volts, potentially affecting sensitive electronics. The charging effects could also affect astronauts on potential human missions to Phobos.
Researchers discover that non-thermal plasma can efficiently produce oxygen on Mars through decomposition of CO2. The process could provide a stable and reliable source of oxygen for manned missions, reducing costs and risks.
Researchers found a potential bridge between Martian geology and atmospheric models, suggesting peak daily temperatures above freezing could cause melting at glacier edges. This meltwater could have carved the features observed on Mars today, supporting the formation of water-carved valleys and lakebeds.
Researchers analyzed the structure of mimetic Martian water to understand how it could exist on the Martian surface. They found that concentrated perchlorate solutions could survive low temperatures, raising questions about the possibility of life on Mars.
The article discusses a debate over Mars exploration strategies, with some experts proposing the relaxation of planetary protection policies to expand the search for life on Mars. Current robotic missions may be hindering the discovery of Martian life due to contamination concerns, but easing policies could lead to breakthroughs.
Scientists from the University of Bristol have discovered evidence suggesting that massive collisions during planetary accretion resulted in significant mass loss, altering a planet's composition. This process, which occurred in the Earth and Mars formation, led to their distinctive volatile poor compositions.
The NASA Mars 2020 rover will feature a new SuperCam instrument with Raman spectroscopy capabilities, allowing it to detect carbon-based signatures of organic materials. The instrument uses a conduction-cooled laser system and can produce 1000 shots in one burst, significantly improving sampling efficiency.
Researchers propose using the element vanadium to verify microfossils for signs of life on Mars. Vanadium can substitute into biological compounds and is found in known biological sources, such as chlorophyll.
Astronomers have observed a unique type of object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, revealing two asteroids orbiting each other and exhibiting comet-like features. The research provides crucial information about the origin and evolution of main-belt comets, which can help answer questions about how water came to Earth.
Researchers have found river deposits on Mars that date back over 3.5 billion years, indicating a surface environment capable of supporting liquid water. The study suggests that large fluctuations in the size of the water body forced the formation of paleo-valleys, revealing long-term stability in the controlling water body.
Researchers found a lower density in Mars' crust, indicating possible porosity, which could impact the planet's formation and evolution. The new gravity map reveals variations in crust thickness beneath volcanoes.
Scientists discovered borates in a Martian crater, indicating that ancient conditions were favorable for RNA synthesis and potentially life. The presence of boron on Mars adds to evidence for habitability, opening possibilities for life's origins.
Researchers used a molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) to provide time for healing or transplant in patients with severe acute liver failure. The study found improved survival rates and recovery of liver function in patients who received MARS therapy.
The Mars 2020 mission utilizes advanced techniques developed from studying early life on Earth to detect biosignatures in ancient Martian rocks. By mapping elemental and organic composition at high spatial resolution, scientists aim to determine if these features were formed by life.
The Hubble Space Telescope has captured images of Phobos, the smallest moon in our solar system, as it orbits Mars. Phobos is just 16.5 miles across and completes an orbit in just 7 hours and 39 minutes, faster than Mars' rotation.
A new study suggests that a massive asteroid impact early in Mars' history could explain the planet's unique geological features. The research proposes that an asteroid at least 1,200 kilometers across crashed into Mars, depositing rare metals and creating the planet's hemispheres.
A new study has found evidence of a yet-to-be-discovered planetary body with a mass between Mars and Earth, warping the orbital planes of Kuiper Belt objects. The object's presence is suggested by its control over the tilt angles of KBOs' orbital planes, indicating a gravitational influence comparable to that of Mars.
Researchers suggest using telepresence technology to reduce communication delays in space research, enabling scientists to conduct scientific investigations more quickly. This approach could expand the number of destinations where humans can do great science, including those currently inaccessible due to safety concerns.
MAVEN has made several groundbreaking discoveries about the Martian upper atmosphere, including unexpected exchanges of gas between lower and upper atmosphere layers. The mission has also revealed complex interactions between solar wind and planet, resulting in the loss of atmospheric gas to space.
The article presents Elon Musk's vision for a self-sustaining city on Mars, requiring significant improvements in transportation costs. The CEO of SpaceX discusses the advantages of using Mars as a hub for a multi-planetary species, including its planetary options and system architecture.
Researchers propose that Mars' Lyot valley networks were carved by meltwater produced when hot ejecta interacted with an icy surface. The team estimates thousands of cubic kilometers of meltwater were generated, enough to shape the valleys.
Researchers have solved a long-standing riddle in the analysis of meteorites from Moon and Mars using high-pressure experiments at DESY's X-ray light source PETRA III. The study reveals that cristobalite can transform into seifertite under non-hydrostatic conditions, challenging previous assessments of meteorite formation conditions.
A new study published in Nature Communications estimates that the ancient network of valleys on Mars required at least 10 times more water than previously thought to carve out. The research suggests that Mars once had a warmer climate and active hydrologic cycle, with an ocean playing a key role in shaping the planet's landscape.
A new predictive model shows that radiation from cosmic rays can extend to healthy cells, doubling the cancer risk for astronauts on Mars missions. The study, published in Scientific Reports, highlights the need for additional research on cosmic ray exposures prior to long-term space missions.
The Curiosity rover mission has provided insights into a long-lasting lake on ancient Mars, which was stratified with distinct chemical and physical differences between its deep and shallow waters. The study found that the shallow water carried more oxygen at certain times, affecting mineral deposits and life's potential.
Scientists have discovered 'halos' on Mars, indicating that liquid water lingered longer on the planet than previously believed. The findings suggest that substantial groundwater was present in Gale crater's past, expanding the window for when life might have existed on Mars.
Scientists have discovered 'halos' on Mars that indicate the planet had liquid water much longer than previously believed. The finding reveals substantial amounts of groundwater were present for a longer period than thought, further expanding the window for when life might have existed on Mars.
New evidence suggests different origins of topography on Earth, Mars and Titan. Researchers found plate tectonics to be a key factor shaping Earth's surface but not as influential on Mars and Titan.
Researchers found that Titan's topography may grow through tidal changes in its icy crust, unlike Earth and Mars which underwent active plate tectonics. The study also sheds light on Martian topography, suggesting major features formed early in the planet's history.
Researchers analyzed drainage patterns on three planets, revealing that long-wavelength features dominate the layout of river networks. The study suggests that short-wavelength features like mountains can divert rivers, leading to poor correlation between river flow directions and large-scale landscape topography.
Researchers discovered that Titan's river networks, like Mars', formed topography without plate tectonics. This finding suggests a distinct geological history for the moons of Saturn and challenges our understanding of Earth's unique surface.
Researchers found that heavy rainfall on early Mars carved out river-like channels and altered impact craters, similar to Earth's effects. The study used physics principles to understand the relationship between Martian atmosphere pressure, raindrop size, and rainfall intensity.
Research by Brown University geologists reveals that ancient Mars impacts generated tornado-like wind vortices that scoured the surface, exposing blockier surfaces beneath. The winds, which reached speeds of up to 500 miles per hour, were responsible for creating bright streaks on the Martian surface.
A team of engineers at the University of California San Diego discovered a simple, no-bake method to make bricks from Martian soil by applying pressure. The resulting bricks are stronger than steel-reinforced concrete and may be compatible with additive manufacturing.
A team led by Dr. Bill Bottke from Southwest Research Institute discovered a 400-million-year lull in Mars' giant impact history, closely paralleling the bombardment histories of the Moon, asteroid belt, and Mercury. This finding supports the Late Heavy Bombardment theory and highlights an important period in Martian evolution.
Researchers have published a detailed geological history for Northeast Syrtis Major, a region on Mars known for its striking mineral diversity. The study maps the extent of key mineral deposits across the surface and places them within the region's larger geological context. This work could help inform NASA's decision on potential land...
Researchers found that consuming more salt led to reduced water intake and conserved body water by triggering a mechanism in the kidneys. The study suggests that urea plays a crucial role in maintaining proper water balance and challenges previous assumptions about its function.
The study detects iron, magnesium, and sodium ions in the Martian upper atmosphere, indicating a permanent presence of metal ions. The team believes that all solar system planets with substantial atmospheres likely have metal ions.