Articles tagged with Mars
The Mars Global Surveyor mission will spend nearly two years collecting data as it maps Mars' surface and atmosphere. The spacecraft will use aerobraking to trim its path around the planet, allowing for a global portrait of Mars' topography, mineral composition, and interior.
A study of Martian meteorites suggests that Mars formed quickly and became geologically quiet, with little plate tectonics. This process allowed the planet's internal structure to remain relatively unchanged since its earliest history.
A recent meteorite study has provided insights into Mars' formation by analyzing volatile elements in Martian meteorites. The findings indicate that the planet experienced at least two fractionation events, which allowed all elements to remain and record past events.
Researchers support a low-temperature origin for carbonate globules in the Martian meteorite ALH84001, suggesting microscopic depositions may be fossilized bacteria. The study uses secondary ion mass spectrometry to analyze oxygen and carbon isotope ratios, indicating a potential formation temperature of less than 300 degrees C.
Researchers argue that low-temperature formation of mineral deposits supports life on Mars, contradicting recent claims. The Martian meteorite Alan Hills 84001 holds a crucial clue to understanding the planet's potential for past life.
Microbial subsurface life is likely to be found on Mars and other planetary bodies in our solar system. The theory proposes that life evolved from the inside out, using rocks for oxygen, and suggests that petroleum has come up from great depths, not from biological sediments.
At the Seattle Science Meeting, USGS researchers will present on various topics including Martian exploration, integrated watershed studies, and geochemical backgrounds in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. The meeting features several presentations by renowned scientists, including Dr. Michael Carr and Dr. David Howell.
Dr. Michael Carr presents a case for the possibility of life on Mars, citing similarities with early Earth's hydrothermal environments and recent discoveries of organic compounds in Martian meteorites. The USGS has initiated a Mars exploration program to study the planet's climate history and distribution of water.
SRI International will operate a 150-foot parabolic reflector antenna to test UHF communication signals from the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft. The team will analyze received signals in real-time and send simulated signals to check the UHF link for future Mars missions.
Two possible source craters for the Martian meteorite ALH84001 have been identified through a search of impact craters on Mars. The craters are located in the southern highlands and display characteristics such as pristine ejecta blankets and sharp crater rims.
A new set of curriculum guides, developed with NSF support, helps teachers stimulate students' curiosity about life in the universe. The guides provide tools for elementary school teachers to explore topics like planetary systems and extraterrestrial life.
Researchers have discovered complex organic molecules and mineralogical evidence of past life in the Martian meteorite ALH84001. The study suggests that these findings could be indicative of primitive life on early Mars.