For the first time in the history of space exploration, scientists have measured the seasonal changes in the gases that fill the air directly above the surface of Gale Crater on Mars. As a result, they noticed something baffling: oxygen, the gas many Earth creatures use to breathe, behaves in a way that so far scientists cannot explain through any known…
Tag: gale crater
Did the Viking landers find life on Mars in 1976?
For a brief time in 1976, it seemed as if NASA’s Viking landers had found microbes on Mars! Those results have been soundly disputed in the years since, but the original experiment’s principal investigator, Gilbert Levin, still maintains they really did detect Martian microbes. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/viking-lander-life-on-mars-gilbert-levin…
Curiosity finds an ancient oasis on Mars
Scientists working with the Curiosity rover have found salt-enriched rock at a place called Sutton Island on Mars. The rocks suggest ponds with briny water on Mars, billions of years ago. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/curiosity-rover-ancient-oasis-mars-sutton-island…
Scientists use drones to probe earthly dust devils, with an eye toward Mars
Dust devils are common are common on Earth, but ubiquitous on Mars, a desert world. Scientists are using drones carrying cameras and other instruments to gain new insights. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/scientists-use-drones-dust-devils-earth-mars…
Why does Mars’ methane vary across a single Martian day?
Previous studies showed that methane in Mars’ atmosphere varies across the Martian seasons. New research shows daily fluctuations as well. It’s interesting because, on Earth, methane gas can be tied to microbial life. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/new-study-mars-methane-daily-variations…
MacGyvering Mars: How NASA’s Curiosity Team Worked Around A Broken Drill
As of Tuesday the Curiosity rover has been on Mars for over seven years, and this week NASA shared an interactive 360-degree panorama of the planet’s Teal Ridge. Digital Trends provides this update: Curiosity is halfway along its path through a region called the “clay-bearing unit” because the area has a high level of clay minerals. Clay minerals are of particular…
Look around from Mars rover’s point of view
Here’s what the Curiosity rover is seeing after 7 years on Mars. Curiosity captured this 360-degree interactive panorama on June 18. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/interactive-panorama-mars-curiosity-rover…