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
|
|
Sunday, May 19
KP Labs Announces LeopardISS Experiment to Join the Polish Mission on the International Space Station
press release — 1:54 pm ET (1754 GMT) AIAA Applauds the Passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
AIAA — 1:53 pm ET (1753 GMT) AIAA Statement on Blue Origin’s Successful NS-25 Mission
AIAA — 1:50 pm ET (1750 GMT) First Black man who trained as astronaut finally going to space at 90 on Bezos rocket
The Independent — 7:44 am ET (1144 GMT) Blue Origin’s first crewed launch since 2022: Where to watch
The Verge — 7:44 am ET (1144 GMT) |
