spacetoday.net: Phoenix finds Earth-like soil

Phoenix finds Earth-like soil

Posted: Sat, Jun 28, 2008, 9:57 AM ET (1357 GMT)
Phoenix Mars lander illustration (Univ. of Arizona)

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.