Articles tagged with Mars
A significant portion of Mars's water is still present on the planet, with estimates suggesting 30-99 percent is trapped within minerals in the crust. This discovery challenges the current theory that the Red Planet's water escaped into space due to low gravity.
A new study suggests that up to 99% of Mars' initial water was incorporated into minerals and buried in the planet's crust, not lost to space. Researchers used observational data and modeling to resolve long-standing contradictions about Martian water loss rates.
Dr. Nathalie Cabrol proposes that modern life on Mars could be more widespread and accessible than previously believed, and that understanding patterns resulting from extreme environmental interactions is key to finding life. She suggests taking the approach of Mars as a biosphere to find signs of microbial habitability.
Research reveals that airborne dust plumes are produced by sliding blocks of dry ice each spring, which kick up sand and dust along the way. This process carves and modifies linear gullies on the slopes of a Martian sand dune.
Researchers from the GLOBE Institute at University of Copenhagen found that water may be present during planet formation, applicable to Earth, Venus, and Mars. The study suggests that planets with similar building blocks and temperature conditions as Earth may have oceans and continents.
Researchers at the University of Oregon found that small electrical sparks may be triggered by friction in Martian dust particles. The sparks, likely to be small and pose little danger, suggest that Mars may be an electrically active place with unique characteristics.
Researchers from HKU have discovered evidence of a reduced atmosphere on ancient Mars, dating back 3.5 billion years. The team used infrared remote sensing and spectroscopy to analyze mineralogy and geochemistry of ancient rocks, revealing weathered conditions indicative of a reducing environment.
Scientists have successfully grown cyanobacteria using Martian gases and regolith, a breakthrough that could make long-term missions to Mars sustainable. This discovery uses Anabaena cyanobacteria as a model organism, demonstrating their ability to thrive in low-pressure environments.
A Southwest Research Institute scientist has updated Mars chronology models to suggest that terrains shaped by ancient water activity on the planet's surface may be hundreds of millions of years older than previously thought. The new model also provides a revised age for Isidis Basin, now estimated to be 4-4.2 billion years old.
The Emirates Mars Mission will provide crucial science data on the Martian atmosphere, measuring dust particles, ice clouds, and water vapor. The mission's launch marks a significant milestone in space exploration for an Arab nation and has enormous positive impacts on science communities.
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have developed a novel non-destructive analytical strategy to characterize Martian samples. The proposed method utilizes Raman spectroscopy to identify molecular compositions and geochemical properties of unknown samples.
Researchers propose that underground salts and melting ice are responsible for Martian landslides, including the seasonal Recurring Slope Lineae features. Lab experiments suggest that thin layers of liquid-like water form near -50 °C, followed by gradual melting, which could lead to surface changes and dust storms.
Researchers used data from Curiosity rover and Earth comparisons to determine temperature impact on Martian rocks, finding it was the biggest factor in weathering sediments.
A new analysis reveals Mars underwent 6-20 separate ice ages during the past 300-800 million years, with rocks trapped in glaciers providing a natural experiment. The findings hold implications for planetary geology and space exploration, including the potential for life on Mars.
High-resolution imaging revealed debris-covered glacier deposits on Mars formed in multiple punctuated episodes of ice accumulation over long timescales. Boulder size and distribution varied across the glacial landforms, contradicting predictions for a single continuous deposition period.
Researchers have created the largest image ever made of Mars' surface, mapping three billion-year-old sedimentary rocks and identifying 18 new fluvial ridges. The study provides unprecedented insight into ancient river systems on Mars, which could prove valuable targets for future exploration of past climates and tectonics.
Researchers created maps of where brines are most likely to be found on Mars by considering global weather patterns and multiple phase changes. Favorable conditions for stable brines are mostly in mid- to high-northern latitudes, large impact craters in the southern hemisphere, and shallow subsurface near the equator.
A Rutgers-led study suggests the most habitable region for life on Mars would be up to several miles below its surface due to subsurface melting of thick ice sheets. Liquid water may have been stable at great depths, allowing life to thrive through hydrothermal activity and rock-water reactions.
Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a brine electrolysis system that produces oxygen and hydrogen from salty water, potentially changing the game for Mars missions and resource utilization on Earth.
Researchers from Cornell University and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory discovered evidence of massive floods in Gale Crater, suggesting conditions for microbial life. The flooding, likely caused by a meteoritic impact, deposited unique geological structures indicating flowing water and wind on Mars.
A team of scientists discovered ancient zircon minerals in a Martian meteorite that date back to 4.5 billion years ago, but also contain younger ages suggesting volcanic activity in the northern hemisphere. The zircons' hafnium isotope composition reveals a primitive reservoir in Mars' interior, unchanged since the planet's formation.
Researchers analyzed zircon crystals from a Martian meteorite, discovering ages ranging from 4.485 to 1.548 billion years, suggesting heavy bombardment and volcanic activity on Mars. The findings imply a previously unrecognized primitive mantle reservoir and significant implications for Mars' tectonic history.
Researchers found that Martian water vapor is transported to high altitudes during warmer seasons, where it's easily destroyed by electrically charged gas particles. The phenomenon contributes to Mars' loss of a global ocean of water over billions of years.
Researchers discovered a large amount of water in the upper atmosphere of Mars, rapidly destroyed by ions, explaining part of the planet's mysterious dryness. This process contradicts the classical picture of water escape from Mars, suggesting it is incomplete and influenced by seasonal and dust storms.
A new study reveals that water on Mars is directly transported to the upper atmosphere, where it is converted into atomic hydrogen that escapes to space. The process is more pronounced during dust storms, including the 2018 global dust storm.
Researchers propose that water emerges during planet formation, contradicting previous 'accidental' asteroid collision theory. The study found water on Mars for the first 90 million years of existence, suggesting it was a bioproduct of the planet's formation process.
Researchers discovered diverse microbes in Chile's Atacama Desert clay layers, which could indicate the presence of microorganisms on Mars. The study provides a guide for searching for life on the red planet, informing where to look and which instruments to use.
Analysis of a Martian meteorite suggests water was present on ancient Mars around 4.4 billion years ago, raising questions about the origin of water on Earth and potential for life beyond. The finding could impact theories on planetary formation and exploration.
Researchers developed artificial soil mixtures that mimic materials found on Mars, evaluating their fertility and potential for plant growth. The study found that Martian soils may be challenging to use due to textures and nutrient availability, but also identified potential solutions using Earth-based agricultural science.
Researchers at George Mason University are using EUVM solar occultations to simulate Mars upper atmospheric processes. The project aims to identify the fundamental causes of observed variability driven by tides and gravity waves.
Scientists from Chinese and German institutions report on time-resolved measurements of lunar surface radiation, revealing an equivalent dose rate of about 60 microsieverts per hour. This poses considerable exposure for humans, highlighting the need for shielding during long-term moon stays.
Researchers at Cornell University found that acidic fluids may have destroyed biological evidence hidden within Mars' iron-rich clays, making it difficult to search for life on the red planet. The study's lead author suggests that searching for organic compounds on Mars is a challenging task due to the degradation of biological material.
Researchers detected a slight tilt in the seismometer's signal during solar eclipses, likely due to ground cooling and deformation. This effect could be used to map Phobos' orbit with increased precision, important for future missions to the Martian moon.
Researchers from Tohoku University discovered a novel iron-based superelastic alloy capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. The new alloy can operate within a wider temperature range than conventional metal-based SEAs, making it suitable for outer-space exploration and other demanding applications.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that precipitation must have been between 13-520 feet to fill ancient lake beds and river valleys on Mars. This study helps scientists understand the planet's climate and provides a crucial reference for future Mars missions.
The NASA JPL team is using deep learning to develop software for future Mars rovers, which will enable them to travel farther and explore more of the planet. The team has been training machine learning models on the Maverick2 supercomputer and developing novel capabilities such as Drive-By Science and Energy-Optimal Autonomous Navigation.
Researchers at the University of Bern have developed a new mass spectrometer, ORIGIN, capable of detecting and identifying the smallest amounts of extraterrestrial life traces. The instrument outperforms previous space instruments in terms of measurement sensitivity.
Researchers discovered Martian and lunar lava tubes are up to 1,000 times wider than those on Earth, with volumes exceeding 1 billion cubic meters. The study highlights the potential of these underground cavities for future space exploration and settlement.
Researchers from Rice University have made the first direct measurements of three subsurface boundaries from Mars' crust to its core using NASA's InSight Lander data. The study provides insights into Mars' early history, planetary formation, and the planet's development from a chemical and thermal perspective.
New research published in Nature Geoscience reveals that early Mars was covered in ice sheets, not flowing rivers. The study analyzed over 10,000 Martian valleys and found striking similarities with subglacial channels in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory's production of ORNL-produced plutonium-238 enables the Perseverance rover to power its journey across Mars. The lab has been consistently increasing its Pu-238 production capabilities, aiming to produce 1.5 kilograms per year by 2026.
Astrophysicist Dimitra Atri's study suggests the presence of a life-supporting environment on ancient Mars due to traces of water and radiation-driven chemical reactions. The ExoMars mission may detect microbial life in this subsurface environment, providing valuable insights into the planet's habitability.
The USGS has created precise maps of the Mars 2020 landing site in Jezero crater, which will help the Perseverance rover steer itself to a safe landing. These high-resolution maps are essential for unlocking the mysteries of the red planet's past and searching for evidence of past life.
A veteran NAU planetary scientist collaborates with UAE and US teams to develop Emirates Mars Infrared Spectrometer (EMIRS), providing a unique view of Martian atmosphere. The Emirates Mars Mission 'Hope' orbiter arrives at Mars in February 2021, collecting images and data for two years.
Researchers at Kyushu University analyzed data from NASA's InSight lander to determine the sources of different types and frequencies of Martian microtremors. The study found that low-frequency P-waves were related to changes in wind and solar irradiation, while higher-frequency ambient noises were dominated by lander vibration.
The CODEX instrument uses ablation lasers and mass spectrometry to determine rock ages with precision ±20-80 million years, significantly more accurate than current methods. The miniaturized version will enable faster data acquisition on lander missions to the Moon or Mars.
Researchers propose a new method to read magnetic pole reversals by analyzing ice cores, which could be applied to other bodies in the solar system. The team created artificial snowfall with magnetic dust and froze it into hard ice, detecting a small but detectible magnetic moment that matched the applied fields.
Researchers at NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre have developed intelligent systems capable of identifying geochemical signatures of life from rock samples. The new system, set to debut on the 2022/23 ExoMars mission, will prioritize data transmission over huge distances, overcoming limitations in the search for life on Mars.
New research from Washington University in St. Louis finds that electrostatic discharge during Martian dust storms generates highly reactive chlorine compounds, driving the surface-to-atmosphere cycle of chlorine. The ongoing chlorine cycle may impact the detection of biomarkers on Mars.
A new study found that meteorite crashes can create amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, by simulating ocean impact reactions. The discovery supports extraterrestrial delivery as a possible origin of life's essential molecules on Earth and Mars.
Scientists have captured new images of Phobos using NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter, providing insight into the moon's surface temperature variations and composition. The images suggest a relatively uniform surface made of fine-grained materials, mostly basaltic in origin.
Numerical simulations suggest asteroids Ryugu and Bennu may have formed from the disruption of a single parent asteroid. Analysis of return samples will verify this by measuring their composition and determining their formation age.
The MAVEN spacecraft has created a map of electric current systems in Mars' atmosphere, revealing a crucial role in atmospheric loss. The currents, generated by solar wind interaction, transform energy into magnetic and electric fields that accelerate charged particles into space.
Scientists studying Martian rocks find evidence of long-lived lakes, organic compounds, and a cold ancient environment. The discovery suggests that Mars' climate may have changed over time, with factors like volcanic activity and changes in the planet's obliquity contributing to these shifts.
A team of researchers recreated Martian conditions in a low-pressure chamber, observing the flow of mud that behaves similarly to pahoehoe lava flows on Earth. The study confirms sedimentary volcanism is possible on Mars, prompting a reevaluation of geological structures previously attributed to lava flows.
Researchers found that free flowing mud under Martian conditions behaves differently from on Earth due to rapid freezing and icy crust formation. The experimental mud flows formed similar shapes to 'pahoehoe' lava, explaining the formation of lava-like flow morphologies on Mars.
Scientists have measured the velocity of seismic waves in iron-sulfur alloys thought to comprise Mars' core, providing crucial information about the planet's internal structure. This study simulates the Martian core's composition and origin, helping researchers compare observations with Martian space probes.
A Southwest Research Institute scientist modeled Mars' atmosphere to determine that salty pockets of water on the Red Planet are unlikely to be habitable by Earth-based life. The study found stable brines could form seasonally, but temperatures are too low to support life.
Researchers from UBC have discovered a new timeline for the ancient magnetic field on Mars, with evidence of dynamo activity at 4.5 billion and 3.7 billion years ago. The findings suggest that the Martian dynamo was active earlier than previously thought, providing insights into the planet's thermal history and evolution.
Scientists have detected 4-billion-year-old nitrogen-bearing organic compounds in a Martian meteorite, suggesting early Mars may have been habitable and favourable for life to start. The discovery provides strong evidence that evidence for early life can be preserved and detected today.