Phoenix finds Earth-like soil
Posted: Sat, Jun 28, 2008, 9:57 AM ET (1357 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
|
|
Wednesday, February 4
Matryoshka Satellites, Robotic Arms: Former US Space Force Commander Warns Of Russian, Chinese Threats
Radio Free Europe — 6:44 am ET (1144 GMT) Trump’s Golden Dome, a year in, is struggling to take shape
POLITICO — 6:43 am ET (1143 GMT) The Numbers, and Questions, Behind Musk’s Mega-Merger
New York Times — 6:43 am ET (1143 GMT) Elon Musk’s mega-merger makes little business sense
The Economist — 6:41 am ET (1141 GMT) Elon Musk is merging SpaceX and xAI to build data centers in space — or so he says
The Verge — 6:40 am ET (1140 GMT) |
