A new analysis of Martian soil data suggests that there was once enough water in the planet's atmosphere for a light drizzle or dew to hit the ground, leaving tell-tale signs of its interaction with the planet's surface. The data for this conclusion, which is a dramatic departure from presently held theories that suggests Martian moisture came mostly from geological upwelling, comes from published measurements of soil from Mars that were taken by various NASA missions: Viking 1, Viking 2, Pathfinder, Spirit and Opportunity.
<more via sciencedaily.com>
<more via sciencedaily.com>
2 comments:
Very interesting! I expect the Phoenix mission will likely add to this new discovery. What an amazing time for Mars exploration. Three active orbiters, two active rovers, and an active lander, with tons of old data for new analysis and a science lab to be launched next year.
Still, I can't help but feel a pang of regret for the Mars that should have been, with Burroughs' red Martians and Bradbury's deserted cities.
I know! And if you read it right, it was possible that it was that close! Light drizzle sounds like damp foggy conditions. hummmm works for me!
But lets not forget Wells. The Crystal Sphere sounds like he was talking about Mars....a fantasy one surely, but still
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