Curiosity data shows Gale Crater once a lake
Posted: Wed, Dec 10, 2014, 9:31 AM ET (1431 GMT)
Data collected by NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has led scientists to conclude that the crater the rover is exploring was once a lake whose sediments built up the crater's central peak. Project scientists, analyzing data about sedimentary rocks obtained by Curiosity, said that they believe the crater repeatedly filled with water, which later evaporated, early in the planet's history. That process left sediments later sculpted by winds into the mountain at the center of Gale Crater. Curiosity is examining rocks at the base of that mountain, unofficially called Mount Sharp, and plans to drive up the mountain in the next several years to examine other rock layers.
Data collected by NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has led scientists to conclude that the crater the rover is exploring was once a lake whose sediments built up the crater's central peak. Project scientists, analyzing data about sedimentary rocks obtained by Curiosity, said that they believe the crater repeatedly filled with water, which later evaporated, early in the planet's history. That process left sediments later sculpted by winds into the mountain at the center of Gale Crater. Curiosity is examining rocks at the base of that mountain, unofficially called Mount Sharp, and plans to drive up the mountain in the next several years to examine other rock layers.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
House appropriators seeking alternatives to SLS EUS upper stage
Posted: Sun, Jul 27 12:52 PM ET (1652 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, July 30
Australian-made rocket crashes after attempted north Queensland launch
Australian Broadcasting Corporation — 7:05 am ET (1105 GMT) Eris rocket test flight 1 explodes at Bowen launch pad
Space and Defense — 7:05 am ET (1105 GMT) Space Systems Command Continues to transform acquisition of SATCOM capabilities
US Space Force — 7:04 am ET (1104 GMT) China says Japan’s space defence guidelines ‘threaten security and stability’
South China Morning Post — 7:03 am ET (1103 GMT) Space Force bets on commercial entrants in $4B satcom contest
TechCrunch — 7:03 am ET (1103 GMT) |
