Is There Ice on Mars? New Evidence from Fresh Meteorite Craters

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In summary, photos of fresh meteorite craters on Mars show white material at depths of 1-3 meters, which is most likely ice that evaporates within a few weeks. Spectrograph readings have confirmed the presence of H2O. This discovery on Mars, along with recent findings on the moon, is a positive development for space programs. It is not surprising that there is ice on other parts of the universe besides Earth.
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marcus
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http://scienceblogs.com/catdynamics/2009/09/water_water_everywhere.php

Nasa press release from 24 September.
http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/mro/newsroom/pressreleases/20090924a.html

Photos of fresh meteorite craters show white at estimated depths of 1 - 3 meters.
The white material goes away within a few weeks.

It is almost certainly ice, which the small meteorite impact exposes, and which then evaporates in the course of time.

Spectrograph reading confirmed it's H2O.
 
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First the moon and now mars

things are looking good for space programs.
 
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Monocerotis said:
First the moon and now mars

things are looking good for space programs.

I don't see why it's such a shocker that there's ice other places in the universe than our planet... I'm sure there is PLENTY of ice all over the universe. If there was no H2O in any other areas of the universe other than Earth THEN i would be shocked.
 

Related to Is There Ice on Mars? New Evidence from Fresh Meteorite Craters

1. What is the significance of finding ice on Mars, specifically at 2 meters below the surface?

Finding ice on Mars is significant because it indicates the presence of water, which is essential for life as we know it. The fact that it is located at a depth of 2 meters is also important because it suggests that the ice is relatively young and has not been altered by surface conditions for a long period of time.

2. How was the ice on Mars discovered and confirmed to be at a depth of 2 meters?

The ice on Mars was discovered using a radar instrument called the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS). This instrument sends radio waves deep into the Martian surface and measures the reflections to create a map of the subsurface. By analyzing the strength and timing of the reflections, scientists were able to confirm the presence of ice at a depth of 2 meters.

3. What is the composition of the ice on Mars and how does it differ from Earth's ice?

The ice on Mars is believed to be primarily composed of water, with some other compounds such as dust and salts mixed in. It is thought to be similar to Earth's ice in terms of chemical composition, but the physical properties may differ due to Mars' different atmospheric and surface conditions.

4. What does the discovery of ice at 2 meters below the surface mean for potential future human missions to Mars?

The presence of accessible ice on Mars is extremely valuable for future human missions. It could potentially be used as a resource for drinking water, oxygen, and fuel production, reducing the need to transport these supplies from Earth. The ice could also provide valuable insights into the history and habitability of the planet.

5. Are there any potential risks or challenges associated with accessing and utilizing the ice on Mars?

There are some potential risks and challenges associated with accessing and utilizing the ice on Mars. These include technical challenges in drilling and extracting the ice, potential contamination of the ice by microbes from Earth, and ethical considerations regarding the impact on the Martian environment. These issues will need to be carefully addressed as we continue to explore and potentially utilize the ice on Mars.

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