*Mars' orbit is significantly elliptical. One result of this is a temperature variation of about 30 C at the subsolar point between aphelion and perihelion. This has a major influence on Mars' climate. While the average temperature on Mars is about 218 K (-55 C, -67 F), Martian surface temperatures range widely from as little as 140 K (-133 C, -207 F) at the winter pole to almost 300 K (27 C, 80 F) on the day side during summer. (taken from nineplanets.org)
What would it be like to walk across Mars? The robot Opportunity rover is currently experiencing what it is like to roll across part of the red planet. It's not always easy -- the rover is being instructed to dodge the deeper drifts of dark sand. During its exploration of Erebus Crater, the rover stopped and took the above picture. Inside this part of Erebus Crater, the surface of mars is covered not only by dark sand but also light outcrops of rock. Scattered across the exposed rock are numerous small round pebbles known as blueberries . Typically smaller than marbles, these unexpected and unusual rocks likely formed by accretion in an ancient wet environment. Also visible are some strange protruding edges known as razorbacks. The above image was taken early last month. ( taken from NASA's Astronomy pic of the day)
Life on Mars?
Spherix - Mars Research
Scientists say Nakhla meteorite hints at life on Mars
Possible Relic Biogenic Activity in Martian Meteorite ALH84001
2 comments:
Mars always fascinated me as a kid. I think it's sad that it's been over 35 years since we put a man on the moon and we're not even close to sending anyone to Mars. Even if a manned mission wouldn't "learn" anything we couldn't do by robot, imagine all the young minds that could be turned on to math and science by a project that exciting.
It's gonna happen in another 30 years or so, errr... likely to. But with the spending deficits, well..... it'll in all probability be a joint effort by the U.S. and the EU.
Post a Comment