New observations downplay Mars water
Posted: Fri, Sep 21, 2007, 7:15 AM ET (1115 GMT)
Data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) suggest that gullies that recently formed in some Martian craters were not created by liquid water. The gullies had formed in crater walls some time between two sets of Mars Global Surveyor images taken several years part, and scientists speculated that groundwater leaking out the side of the crater could have caused the gullies. However, more detailed observations by MRO argue that the gullies were formed by landslides of loose, dry material. Other MRO observations of much older features may be evidence that any liquid water that existed on the planet's surface early in its history was short-lived.
Data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) suggest that gullies that recently formed in some Martian craters were not created by liquid water. The gullies had formed in crater walls some time between two sets of Mars Global Surveyor images taken several years part, and scientists speculated that groundwater leaking out the side of the crater could have caused the gullies. However, more detailed observations by MRO argue that the gullies were formed by landslides of loose, dry material. Other MRO observations of much older features may be evidence that any liquid water that existed on the planet's surface early in its history was short-lived.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, March 10
Tell my 5-year-old that we've given up on space
USA Today — 5:10 am ET (1010 GMT) Travel agent's latest deal out of this world
The Southland Times (NZ) — 5:09 am ET (1009 GMT) 'It has changed perceptions'
Hindustan Times — 5:06 am ET (1006 GMT) MoD extends Skynet contract
The Independent — 5:04 am ET (1004 GMT) Obama's New Mission for NASA Sets Off Intense Criticism
Fox News — 5:03 am ET (1003 GMT) |