Phoenix finds Earth-like soil
Posted: Sat, Jun 28, 2008, 8:57 AM ET (1257 GMT)
The first chemical analysis of the soil at the landing site for NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander has revealed conditions not dissimilar to those of part of Antarctica, scientists said this week. The analysis, performed by Phoenix's MECA instrument, found that the top layer of soil at the site is moderately alkaline, with a pH of 8 to 9, and contains a number of salts. Scientists said the soil resembles that found in dry valleys in Antarctica, and could even possibly support the growth of some kinds of vegetables. Initial data from another instrument on Phoenix has also confirmed to scientists that the soil has interacted with water in the past.
The first chemical analysis of the soil at the landing site for NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander has revealed conditions not dissimilar to those of part of Antarctica, scientists said this week. The analysis, performed by Phoenix's MECA instrument, found that the top layer of soil at the site is moderately alkaline, with a pH of 8 to 9, and contains a number of salts. Scientists said the soil resembles that found in dry valleys in Antarctica, and could even possibly support the growth of some kinds of vegetables. Initial data from another instrument on Phoenix has also confirmed to scientists that the soil has interacted with water in the past.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Friday, September 5
MESSENGER Sails on Sun’s Fire for Second Flyby of Mercury
JHUAPL — 8:00 pm ET (0000 GMT) ESA's ATV successfully undocks from International Space Station
ESA — 6:54 pm ET (2254 GMT) Rosetta Steins fly-by confirmed
ESA — 6:54 pm ET (2254 GMT) ESA spacecraft completes flyby of Steins asteroid
AP — 6:45 pm ET (2245 GMT) European probe swings past asteroid while en route for comet
AFP — 6:45 pm ET (2245 GMT) |