astronomy 101 the solar system tuesday, wednesday,...
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Astronomy 101The Solar System
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Astronomy 101The Solar System
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Mars
http://www.daviddarling.info/images/Mars_large.jpg
Mars
http://www.daviddarling.info/images/Mars_large.jpg
Mars
• Names after Mars, Roman God of War• Mars has two tiny natural moons, Phobos and Deimos,
which orbit very close to the planet and are thought to be captured asteroids.captured asteroids.
• Both satellites were discovered in 1877 by Asaph Hall, and are named after the characters Phobos (panic/fear) and Deimos (terror/dread) who, in Greek mythology, accompanied their father Ares, God of War
Mars
Names after Mars, Roman God of WarMars has two tiny natural moons, Phobos and Deimos, which orbit very close to the planet and are thought to be
Both satellites were discovered in 1877 by Asaph Hall, and are named after the characters Phobos (panic/fear) and Deimos (terror/dread) who, in Greek mythology, accompanied their father Ares, God of War
Phobos (~22 km diameter)Phobos (~22 km diameter)
Taken by Mars Express
PhobosPhobosTaken by Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
Crater calledStickney
Deimos (~12 km diameter)Deimos (~12 km diameter)
Percival Lowell (1855
• Lowell produced intricate drawings of the Red Planet
• Finding hundreds of straight lines (termed • Finding hundreds of straight lines (termed "canals")
Percival Lowell (1855-1916)
Lowell produced intricate drawings of the Red
Finding hundreds of straight lines (termed Finding hundreds of straight lines (termed
He thought
• Lowell concluded that the bright areas were deserts and the dark were patches of vegetation
• Lowell thought the canals were constructed by • Lowell thought the canals were constructed by intelligent beings who once flourished on Mars.
He thought
Lowell concluded that the bright areas were deserts and the dark were patches of vegetationLowell thought the canals were constructed by Lowell thought the canals were constructed by intelligent beings who once flourished on Mars.
For years
• People thought life could exist on Mars and Venus, the closest planets to Earth
For years
People thought life could exist on Mars and Venus, the closest planets to Earth
However,
• Venus is extremely hot (~700• Atmospheric pressure is 90 times that of Earth
However,
Venus is extremely hot (~700-800 K)Atmospheric pressure is 90 times that of Earth
What happened on October 30, 1938? What happened on October 30, 1938?
What happened on October 30, 1938?
• http://sounds.mercurytheatre.info/mercury/381030.mp3
What happened on October 30, 1938?
http://sounds.mercurytheatre.info/mercury/381030
Mars
• The average recorded temperature on Mars is -63 °C with a maximum temperature of 20 and a minimum of -140 °and a minimum of -140 °
• Atmospheric pressure is 1/100 of Earth’s• Mars is often enveloped by planet
storms
Mars
The average recorded temperature on Mars is C with a maximum temperature of 20 °C
°C °C Atmospheric pressure is 1/100 of Earth’sMars is often enveloped by planet-wide dust
Martian Atmosphere
• Carbon dioxide 95.3%• Nitrogen 2.7%• Argon 1.6%• Argon 1.6%• Oxygen 0.13%• Carbon monoxide 0.07%• Water vapor 0.03%• Nitric oxide 0.013%
Martian Atmosphere
95.3%2.7%1.6%1.6%0.13%0.07%0.03%0.013%
Dust Devils
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Marsdustdevil2.gif
Dust Devils
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Marsdustdevil2.gif
Dust Devils
• Dust devils are smaller and weaker than tornadoes• They are caused by convection on hot, calm
summer days. summer days. • Air near the surface becomes much warmer than
the air above, creating an updraft.
Dust Devils
Dust devils are smaller and weaker than tornadoesThey are caused by convection on hot, calm
Air near the surface becomes much warmer than the air above, creating an updraft.
Key to Life
• All life on Earth depends on water• So if you find water, you may find life
Key to Life
All life on Earth depends on waterSo if you find water, you may find life
Habitable Zone
• The region around a star in which planets could potentially have surface temperatures which liquid water could existliquid water could exist
Habitable Zone
The region around a star in which planets could potentially have surface temperatures which
In the past
• Mars appeared to be warmer and wetter
In the past
Mars appeared to be warmer and wetter
Atmospheres
• Layer of gases that surround a body with sufficient mass
• Gravity keeps the gases around the body• Gravity keeps the gases around the body
Atmospheres
Layer of gases that surround a body with
Gravity keeps the gases around the bodyGravity keeps the gases around the body
Atmospheric Pressure• Pressure due to the weight of air above the
measurement point• Pressure is force per unit area• Standard atmosphere is defined as being • Standard atmosphere is defined as being
precisely equal to 101,325 Pascals where a Pascal is 1 N/m2
• 1 bar = 100,000 pascals• Pressure in the solar nebula was ~10
Atmospheric PressurePressure due to the weight of air above the
Pressure is force per unit areais defined as being is defined as being
precisely equal to 101,325 Pascals where a Pascal
Pressure in the solar nebula was ~10-4-10-8 bars
Phase Diagram
http://img.search.com/thumb/d/dc/Phase
Phase Diagram
http://img.search.com/thumb/d/dc/Phase-diag.png/300px-Phase-diag.png
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2000/ast29jun_1m.htm
Mars
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2000/ast29jun_1m.htm
http://images.encarta.msn.com/xrefmedia/aedia/aencmed/targets/illus/cha/T073590A.gif
Pres
sure
http://www.splung.com/heat/images/phases/phasediagram.pngTemperature
http://www.splung.com/heat/images/phases/phasediagram.pngTemperature
• Valles Marineris is a system of canyons located just south of the Martian equator. The system is about 4000 km long, about 4000 km long,
Valles Marineris is a system of canyons located just south of the Martian equator. The system is
Valles Marineris Valles Marineris
Water on Mars
• Most of the water is frozen (permafrost and polar caps)
• No bodies of liquid water, which could create a • No bodies of liquid water, which could create a hydrosphere
• Only a small amount of water vapor is in the atmosphere
Water on Mars
Most of the water is frozen (permafrost and polar
No bodies of liquid water, which could create a No bodies of liquid water, which could create a
Only a small amount of water vapor is in the
How did Mars lose its water?How did Mars lose its water?
How did Mars lose its water?
• One possibility:• On Earth, we're protected from the solar wind by
a global magnetic field a global magnetic field • Mars appears to have had a global magnetic field,
which turned off• When it turned off, Mars’ atmosphere may have
been eroded by the solar wind
How did Mars lose its water?
On Earth, we're protected from the solar wind by
Mars appears to have had a global magnetic field,
When it turned off, Mars’ atmosphere may have been eroded by the solar wind
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2001/ast31jan_1.htm
Hellas and Argyre basins, both thought to be about four billion years old, are demagnetized. Magnetic field must have turned off more than four billion years ago.
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2001/ast31jan_1.htm
Hellas and Argyre basins, both thought to be about four billion years old, are demagnetized. Magnetic field must have turned off more than four
Topography
• The dichotomy of Martian topography is striking: northern plains flattened by lava flows contrast with the southern highlands, pitted and cratered with the southern highlands, pitted and cratered by ancient impacts.
• The surface of Mars as seen from Earth is consequently divided into two kinds of areas, with differing albedo.
Topography
The dichotomy of Martian topography is striking: northern plains flattened by lava flows contrast with the southern highlands, pitted and cratered with the southern highlands, pitted and cratered
The surface of Mars as seen from Earth is consequently divided into two kinds of areas, with
MOLA• MOLA is the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter on Mars
Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft• This altitude determination process works by measuring
the time that a pulse of light takes to leave the spacecraft, the time that a pulse of light takes to leave the spacecraft, reflect off of the ground, and return to MOLA's collecting mirror.
• By multiplying the reflection time by the speed of light, scientists are able to calculate Surveyor's altitude above the local terrain to within 30 meters (98 feet) or better.
MOLAMOLA is the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter on Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraftThis altitude determination process works by measuring the time that a pulse of light takes to leave the spacecraft, the time that a pulse of light takes to leave the spacecraft, reflect off of the ground, and return to MOLA's
By multiplying the reflection time by the speed of light, scientists are able to calculate Surveyor's altitude above the local terrain to within 30 meters (98 feet) or better.
Two Hemispheres
• Northern Plains• Southern Highlands
Two Hemispheres
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/Karte_Mars_Schiaparelli_MKL1888.png
In September 1877, Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli used a 22 cm telescope to help produce the first detailed map of Mars. These maps notably contained features he called canali, which were later shown to be an optical illusion.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/Karte_Mars_Schiaparelli_MKL1888.png
In September 1877, Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli used a 22 cm telescope to help produce the first detailed map of Mars. These maps notably contained features he called canali, which were later shown to be an optical illusion.
• Percival Lowell map of Mars from ~1914
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lowell_Mars_channels.jpg
Percival Lowell map of Mars from ~1914
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lowell_Mars_channels.jpg
• Hubble image from 1999http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Mars_HST_Mollweide_map_1999.png
Hubble image from 1999http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Mars_HST_Mollweide_map_1999.png
• blue is low• red/white are high• These two hemispheres are centered on the Tharsis
plateau (including the Valles Marineris and the large volcanos) and on the Isidis impact basin (with the Hellas basin to the south)
These two hemispheres are centered on the Tharsis plateau (including the Valles Marineris and the large volcanos) and on the Isidis impact basin (with the Hellas
Epochs (Ages) on Mars
• Epochs are defined by the number of impact craters on the ground surface
• Older surfaces have more impact craters.• Older surfaces have more impact craters.
Epochs (Ages) on Mars
Epochs are defined by the number of impact craters on the ground surface Older surfaces have more impact craters.Older surfaces have more impact craters.
Geologic History of Mars• Noachian epoch (named after Noachis Terra):
• Formation of the oldest surface3.5 billion years ago. “Noachian age surfaces are scarred by many large impact craters.” Thformed during this period.formed during this period.
• Noachis Terra ("Land of Noah") is an extensive southern landmass (terra) of the planet Mars.
• http://www.google.com/mars/
Geologic History of MarsNoachian epoch (named after Noachis Terra):
urfaces of Mars, 4.6 billion years ago to 3.5 billion years ago. “Noachian age surfaces are scarred by
s.” The Tharsis bulge is thought to have
Noachis Terra ("Land of Noah") is an extensive southern landmass (terra) of the planet Mars.
http://www.google.com/mars/
Geologic History of Mars• Hesperian epoch (named after Hesperia Planum) :
• 3.5 billion years ago to 1.8 billion years ago. The Hesperian epoch is marked by the formation of extensive lava plains.
http://www.psi.edu/NE_Hellas_Hesperia.jpg
Geologic History of MarsHesperian epoch (named after Hesperia Planum) :
3.5 billion years ago to 1.8 billion years ago. The Hesperian epoch is marked by the formation of extensive lava plains.
http://www.psi.edu/NE_Hellas_Hesperia.jpg
Geologic History of Mars• Amazonian epoch (named after Amazonis Planitia)
• 1.8 billion years ago to present. Amazonian regions have few impact craters, but are otherwise quite varied. Olympus Mons formed during this period along with lava flows elsewhere on Mars. Mars.
http://upload.wikimed
Geologic History of MarsAmazonian epoch (named after Amazonis Planitia)
1.8 billion years ago to present. Amazonian regions have few impact craters, but are otherwise quite varied. Olympus Mons formed during this period along with lava flows elsewhere on
media.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/Amazonis_planitia_topo.jpg
• The northern hemisphere is much flatter • The northern hemisphere was formed from lava
flowsflows• The northern hemisphere is also lower than the
southern hemisphere, with an elevation difference between the two of about 5 km (3 mi)
The northern hemisphere is much flatter The northern hemisphere was formed from lava
The northern hemisphere is also lower than the southern hemisphere, with an elevation difference between the two of about 5 km (3 mi)
What caused this difference?What caused this difference?
What caused this difference?• Glancing impact
– “The impact would have to be big enough to blast the crust off half of the planet, but not so big that it melts everything”
http://www.world
• Huge ocean covered Northern Hemisphere?
What caused this difference?
“The impact would have to be big enough to blast the crust off half of the planet, but not so
http://www.world-science.net/othernews/080625_mars.htm
http://www.astrobio.net/news/article58.html
Huge ocean covered Northern Hemisphere?
Location of proposed shoreline with respect to Olympus Mons.Since the proposed cliff faces toward the smooth plains, it was suggested that this feature might be the signature of a cliff that forms from erosion by waves in a body of water as they break against a coastline.
Location of proposed shoreline with respect to Olympus Mons.Since the proposed cliff faces toward the smooth plains, it was suggested that this feature might be the signature of a cliff that forms from erosion by waves in a body of water as
Olympus Mons
• The shield volcano, Olympus Mons (Olympus), is at 26 km the highest known volcano and mountain in the solar system. and mountain in the solar system.
Olympus Mons
The shield volcano, Olympus Mons (Mount ), is at 26 km the highest known volcano
and mountain in the solar system. and mountain in the solar system.
Shorelines
http://www.astrobio.net/news/article58.html
Viking Image
Shorelines
No sign of a cliff cut by waves.
http://www.astrobio.net/news/article58.html
Mars Orbital Camera (MOC)image from Mars Global Surveyer
Hellas Basin
9 km depth
2,300 km in diameter
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fc/Hellas_basin_topo.jpg
Hellas Basin
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fc/Hellas_basin_topo.jpg
Hellas Basin
• It is the second or third largest impact crater and the largest visible impact crater known in the Solar System. Solar System.
Hellas Basin
It is the second or third largest impact crater and the largest visible impact crater known in the
Northern Polar Cap
Permanent ice cap comprised mainlyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planum_Boreum
Northern Polar CapCrater is 80 m in diameter
mainly of water and carbon dioxide icehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planum_Boreum
Northern Polar Cap
• The perennial or permanent portion of the north polar cap consists almost entirely of water ice.
• In the northern hemisphere winter, this gains a • In the northern hemisphere winter, this gains a seasonal coating of frozen carbon dioxide (dry ice) about one meter (three feet) thick.
Northern Polar Cap
The perennial or permanent portion of the north polar cap consists almost entirely of water ice. In the northern hemisphere winter, this gains a In the northern hemisphere winter, this gains a seasonal coating of frozen carbon dioxide (dry ice) about one meter (three feet) thick.
Basic Definition of Life
• Growth • Metabolism• Motion• Motion• Reproduction• Stimulus response
Basic Definition of Life
ALH 84001
• Allan Hills 84001• Martian meteorite found in Antarctica• Thought to have evidence for life (1996)• Thought to have evidence for life (1996)
ALH 84001
Martian meteorite found in AntarcticaThought to have evidence for life (1996)Thought to have evidence for life (1996)
Meteorites from Mars
• Are called SNCs• Shergottites, Nakhlites, Chassignites
– Shergotty– Nakhla– Chassigny
• 34 Martian meteorites currently known
Meteorites from Mars
Shergottites, Nakhlites, Chassignites
34 Martian meteorites currently known
How do we know they are from Mars?
• Most have young crystallization ages (1.35 and 0.15 billion years)
• Gases in glass in meteorites match Mars• Gases in glass in meteorites match Mars
How do we know they are from Mars?
Most have young crystallization ages (1.35 and
Gases in glass in meteorites match MarsGases in glass in meteorites match Mars
Crystallization Age
• Crystallization age is measured from when the rock cooled and the mineral formed
• Certain unstable isotopes are locked into the • Certain unstable isotopes are locked into the crystals of the rock, and they begin to decay.
Crystallization Age
Crystallization age is measured from when the rock cooled and the mineral formedCertain unstable isotopes are locked into the Certain unstable isotopes are locked into the crystals of the rock, and they begin to decay.
Evidence
• organic molecules• Magnetite (Fe3O4) that looks like it formed from
biologic activitybiologic activity• nanofossil-like structures
Evidence
) that looks like it formed from
like structures
Age of ALH 84001
• ALH 84001 - 4.5 billion years• But has same oxygen isotope ratio as other
Martian meteorites so it comes from MarsMartian meteorites so it comes from Mars• Oldest meteorites are 4.56 billion years
Age of ALH 84001
4.5 billion yearsBut has same oxygen isotope ratio as other Martian meteorites so it comes from MarsMartian meteorites so it comes from MarsOldest meteorites are 4.56 billion years
What are problems with studying Martian meteorites to learn about Mars
What are problems with studying Martian meteorites to learn about Mars
• You don’t exactly where the Martian Meteorites come fromYou don’t exactly where the Martian Meteorites
Why Volcanoes are lar
http://athena.cornell.edu/images/scientists/lava_flow_chart.jpg
are larger on other planets?
Look for evidence for processes that occur on surface of a planet
• Geomorphology - scientific study of landforms and the processes that shape them– Important Questions:
– Are features on Mars formed by volcanic processes?– Are features on Mars formed by water?
• Compositional– Important Questions:
– Are the compositions of minerals on Mars consistent with volcanic processes?
– Are the compositions of minerals on Mars consistent with forming in the presence on Mars?
Look for evidence for processes that occur on surface of a planet
scientific study of landforms and the processes that shape them
Are features on Mars formed by volcanic processes?Are features on Mars formed by water?
Are the compositions of minerals on Mars consistent
Are the compositions of minerals on Mars consistent with forming in the presence on Mars?
• Are Features – due to volcanic processes or running water?
• Are Rocks • Are Rocks – contain minerals formed in volcanic processes (such
as olivine or pyroxene)– Or affected by water (precipitates from solution or
minerals containing water)
due to volcanic processes or running water?
contain minerals formed in volcanic processes (such
Or affected by water (precipitates from solution or minerals containing water)
Formed by Lava?
http://cdn.physorg.com/newman/gfx/news/hires/lavalikelyma.jpg
Formed by Lava?
http://cdn.physorg.com/newman/gfx/news/hires/lavalikelyma.jpg
• Martian basaltic meteorite• Looks like igneous rock
Martian basaltic meteorite
Russell Crater Dunes
• Taken by Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2010/04/12/newliquid-water-on-mars/
Russell Crater Dunes
Taken by Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2010/04/12/new-evidence-of-transient-
Compositional Effects of Water
• Examples:
• 2Fe SiO + 4H O + O → 2Fe• 2Fe2SiO4 + 4H2O + O2 → 2Fe• olivine + water + oxygen → hematite + silicic acid
• Form CaSO4·2H2O (Gypsum, a sulfate)
Compositional Effects of Water
→ 2Fe O + 2H SiO→ 2Fe2O3 + 2H4SiO4
olivine + water + oxygen → hematite + silicic acid
O (Gypsum, a sulfate)
Terrestrial Analogs
• You can use terrestrial environments to look for analogs for processes that occur on Mars
Terrestrial Analogs
You can use terrestrial environments to look for analogs for processes that occur on Mars
Face on MarsFace on Mars
http://www.guidescope.net/solarsys/mars_map2.jpghttp://www.guidescope.net/solarsys/mars_map2.jpg
Significant Mars Missions• Viking 1 (1976-1982) (NASA) (Lander)• Viking 2 (1976-1980) (NASA) (Lander)• Mars Global Surveyor (1993-2006) (NASA) (Orbiter)• Mars Pathfinder (1997) (NASA) (Lander)• Mars Pathfinder (1997) (NASA) (Lander)• Mars Express (2003-present) (ESA) (Orbiter)• MER Spirit (2004-present) (NASA) (Lander)• MER Opportunity (2004-present) (NASA) (Lander)• Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (2006• Phoenix (2008) (NASA) (Lander)
Significant Mars Missions1982) (NASA) (Lander)1980) (NASA) (Lander)
2006) (NASA) (Orbiter)Mars Pathfinder (1997) (NASA) (Lander)Mars Pathfinder (1997) (NASA) (Lander)
present) (ESA) (Orbiter)present) (NASA) (Lander)
present) (NASA) (Lander)Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (2006-present) (NASA) (Orbiter)Phoenix (2008) (NASA) (Lander)
Viking Missions
• Each spacecraft consisted of an orbiter and a lander
• Viking 1 lander landed July 20, 1976 • Viking 1 lander landed July 20, 1976 • Viking 2 lander landed September 3, 1976• Total cost was ~1 billion
Viking Missions
Each spacecraft consisted of an orbiter and a
Viking 1 lander landed July 20, 1976 Viking 1 lander landed July 20, 1976 Viking 2 lander landed September 3, 1976Total cost was ~1 billion
Viking 2
Red Color• The red color of the planet comes from the oxidation
of iron minerals in the soil.• Fe2+ is becoming Fe3+
• Iron is shiny when it is not oxidized
• When it loses two electrons by encountering oxygen, it becomes black or green
• When it loses three electrons by encountering oxygen, it becomes red
• Rusting
Red ColorThe red color of the planet comes from the oxidation
Iron is shiny when it is not oxidized
When it loses two electrons by encountering oxygen, it
When it loses three electrons by encountering oxygen,
Viking 2Viking 2
Four Experiments• There were results that were initially positive• But results could all be explained through non
chemistry• For example, Labeled Release Experiment
– The nutrients were tagged with radioactive – Looked for emitted 14CO2 gas as evidence for
chemical reactions that happen in living organisms to maintain life
– Radioactive gases were given off immediately for the first insertion of nutrients
– Subsequent insertions did not gigases
Four ExperimentsThere were results that were initially positiveBut results could all be explained through non-biologic
For example, Labeled Release ExperimentThe nutrients were tagged with radioactive 14C
gas as evidence for chemical reactions that happen in living
Radioactive gases were given off immediately for
not give off radioactive
Four Science Goals of NASA's long-term Mars Exploration Program:
• Determine whether Life ever arose on Mars • Characterize the Climate of Mars • Characterize the Climate of Mars • Characterize the Geology of Mars • Prepare for Human Exploration
Four Science Goals of NASA's term Mars Exploration Program:
Determine whether Life ever arose on Mars Characterize the Climate of Mars Characterize the Climate of Mars Characterize the Geology of Mars Prepare for Human Exploration
Mars Pathfinder
• Landed July 4, 1997• Weight - 870 kg• Lasted 3 months• Lasted 3 months• Discovery Mission
Mars Pathfinder
Objectives of Mars Pathfinder
• Discovery Mission - To prove that the development of "faster, better and cheaper" spacecraft is possible (with three years for development and a cost under US $150 million).
• To show that it is possible to send a load of scientific • To show that it is possible to send a load of scientific instruments to another planet with a simple system and at one fifth the cost of a Viking
• To demonstrate NASA's commitment to lowplanetary exploration finishing the mission with a total expenditure of US$ 280 million, including the launch vehicle and mission operations.
Objectives of Mars Pathfinder
To prove that the development of "faster, better and cheaper" spacecraft is possible (with three years for development and a cost under US $150
To show that it is possible to send a load of scientific To show that it is possible to send a load of scientific instruments to another planet with a simple system and at
Viking mission. To demonstrate NASA's commitment to low-cost planetary exploration finishing the mission with a total expenditure of US$ 280 million, including the launch vehicle and mission operations.
APXSRadioactive Cu-244
AXPS Alpha Proton X-ray Spectrometer
• Radioactive Cu-244 source• Emits alpha particles (helium nuclei), protons,
and X-raysand X-rays• Measures the backscattered alpha particles and
protons and emitted X-rays from the rock• Different elements interact with alpha particles,
protons, and X-rays differentlyy
AXPS –ray Spectrometer
244 sourceEmits alpha particles (helium nuclei), protons,
Measures the backscattered alpha particles and rays from the rock
Different elements interact with alpha particles, rays differentlyy
Sojourner Rover is investigating Yogi the Rock
The rock was the first on Mars found to be made of basaltThe smoothness of the surface also suggested the past existence of water in the region.
Sojourner Rover is investigating Yogi the Rock
The rock was the first on Mars found to
The smoothness of the surface also suggested the past existence of water in
http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/snc/a
Yogi
Barnacle Bill
http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/snc/a-mgsivsalsi5.gif
Spirit and Opportunity
• I used to live in an Orphanage.It was dark and cold and lonely.At night, I looked up at the sparkly sky and felt better.I dreamed I could fly there.I dreamed I could fly there.In America, I can make all my dreams come true.....Thank-you for the "Spirit" and the "Opportunity"
— Sofi Collis, age 9
Spirit and Opportunity
I used to live in an Orphanage.It was dark and cold and lonely.At night, I looked up at the sparkly sky and felt better.
In America, I can make all my dreams come true.....you for the "Spirit" and the "Opportunity"
• Spirit landed in Gusev Crater (lava flows)
• Opportunity landed on Meridiani Planum • Opportunity landed on Meridiani Planum appeared to have lots of sedimentary rock
Spirit landed in Gusev Crater – appeared basaltic
Opportunity landed on Meridiani Planum –Opportunity landed on Meridiani Planum –appeared to have lots of sedimentary rock
Spirit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Spirit_tracks.png
Spirit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Spirit_tracks.png
Spirit
The Gusev crater with Ma'adim Vallis snaking into it
Spirit
with Ma'adim Vallis snaking into it
Rover tracksRover tracks
Made by the RAT – Rock Abrasion ToolRock Abrasion Tool
Rock called Adirondack
• Iron-rich sulfate salt• Seen when climbing Husband HillSeen when climbing Husband Hill
OpportunityOpportunity
Mars rover Opportunity Opportunity just passed 12-mile mark
Opportunity Ledge
Rocks seem layered.Either due to sediments or volcanic ash
Opportunity Ledge
Rocks seem layered.Either due to sediments or volcanic ash
Hematite (Fe2O3) formed as deposits in water?Called blueberries
) formed as deposits in water?Called blueberries
Mars water appears very salty
water-activity" value that indicates how sui
Mars water appears very salty
ow suitable a solution is for use by organisms
Spirit and Opportunity
• Both completed their planned 90• Both have completed over 2,100 days• Still functioning (Spirit is hibernating now)• Still functioning (Spirit is hibernating now)• Spirit has a broken wheel• Spirit is now stuck in soft soil• Opportunity’s shoulder joint on its robotic arm is
broken
Spirit and Opportunity- now
Both completed their planned 90-day missionsBoth have completed over 2,100 daysStill functioning (Spirit is hibernating now)Still functioning (Spirit is hibernating now)Spirit has a broken wheelSpirit is now stuck in soft soilOpportunity’s shoulder joint on its robotic arm is
Taken by Spirit
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PIA05547-Spirit_Rover
Taken by Spirit
Spirit_Rover-Earth_seen_from_Mars.png
Mars Global Surveyor(1996-
Mars Global Surveyor-2006)
G
Gullies in Newton basin
G
Gullies in Newton basin
Mars Orbiter Laser AltimeterMars Orbiter Laser Altimeter
2001 Mars Odyssey
• Hunts for evidence of past or present water and volcanic activity on Mars
• Also used as a communications relay for the Mars • Also used as a communications relay for the Mars Exploration Rovers and Phoenix
2001 Mars Odyssey
Hunts for evidence of past or present water and volcanic activity on MarsAlso used as a communications relay for the Mars Also used as a communications relay for the Mars Exploration Rovers and Phoenix
• Hydrogen in water slows down neutrons.• Instrument measures the energy of the neutrons• Water will produce excess low
Hydrogen in water slows down neutrons.Instrument measures the energy of the neutronsWater will produce excess low-energy neutrons
Concentrations of Chloride SaltsConcentrations of Chloride Salts
Mars Express(2003-present)
• Launched by the European Space Agency• Also had Beagle 2 lander
Mars Expresspresent)
Launched by the European Space AgencyAlso had Beagle 2 lander
Beagle 2• Crashed on surface
Beagle 2
Mars Express confirmed the presence of Methane (CH4) on Mars
Mars Express confirmed the presence of Methane (CH4) on Mars
Methane• Methane is quickly destroyed in the Martian
atmosphere by sunlight, so its discovery indicates some ongoing process is releasing the gas
• Organisms release much of Earth's methane as • Organisms release much of Earth's methane as they digest nutrients.
• However, it could also be released by volcanoes
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7829315.stm
MethaneMethane is quickly destroyed in the Martian atmosphere by sunlight, so its discovery indicates some ongoing process is releasing the gasOrganisms release much of Earth's methane as Organisms release much of Earth's methane as
However, it could also be released by volcanoes
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7829315.stm
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter(2006-Present)
Mars Reconnaissance OrbiterPresent)
Water ice exposed by impactWater ice exposed by impact
Avalanche (width was ~180 meters)Avalanche (width was ~180 meters)
• http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/MRO/multimedia/video_archive_1.htmlhttp://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/MRO/multimedia/video_archive_1.html
Phoenix
• Part of Mars Scout program• First mission run by a university• Landed near Martian North Pole• Landed near Martian North Pole• Dug trenches to search for water• Launched August 4, 2007• Landed May 25, 2008• Mission concluded November 10, 2008
http://en.wikiped
Phoenix
First mission run by a universityLanded near Martian North PoleLanded near Martian North PoleDug trenches to search for water
Mission concluded November 10, 2008
ikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Phoenix_landing.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Phoenix_Lander_seen_from_MRO_during_EDL2.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Phoenix_Lander_seen_from_MRO_during_EDL2.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:070802_phoenix_lab_02.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:070802_phoenix_lab_02.jpg
• This polygonal cracking is similar to patterns seen in permafrost areas
• A likely formation mechanism is that
Devon Islandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Patterned_ground_devon_island.jpg
• A likely formation mechanism is that • ice contracts when the temperature decreases, creating a
polygonal pattern of cracks• When the temperature rises and the ice expands
back to its former volume, it can’t assume its former shape
• It then buckle upwards.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Phoenix_mission_horizon_stitched_high_definition.jpg
This polygonal cracking is similar to patterns seen in
A likely formation mechanism is that
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Patterned_ground_devon_island.jpg
A likely formation mechanism is that ice contracts when the temperature decreases, creating a
When the temperature rises and the ice expands back to its former volume, it can’t assume its
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Phoenix_mission_horizon_stitched_high_definition.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Evaporating_ice_on_Mars_Phoenix_lander_image.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Evaporating_ice_on_Mars_Phoenix_lander_image.jpg
pH of Mars
• Latest published value of the pH of Mars is ~7.7• pH of 7 is neutral• pH <7 is acidic• pH <7 is acidic• pH > 7 is basic (alkaline)
pH of Mars
Latest published value of the pH of Mars is ~7.7
pH > 7 is basic (alkaline)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Phoenix_minihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Phoenix_mini-DVD_on_Mars.jpg
Mars Science Laboratory
• Called Curiosity• Will launch in 2011• Costing ~2.3 billion dollars• Costing ~2.3 billion dollars• It is a rover that will assess
whether Mars ever was able to support microrganisms
• It will be the same size as a Mini Cooper automobile
Mars Science Laboratory
Costing ~2.3 billion dollarsCosting ~2.3 billion dollarssess
able to support microrganismsIt will be the same size as a Mini Cooper
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:28936main_roverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:28936main_rover-metric.jpg
• http://video.pbs.org/video/1114436021/http://video.pbs.org/video/1114436021/
Any Questions?Any Questions?Any Questions?Any Questions?