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
|
|
Thursday, October 23
Leonardo, Airbus, Thales to merge space businesses
ANSA — 5:55 am ET (0955 GMT) Airbus, Leonardo, Thales Set 2027 For Start Of New Satellite Venture
Aviation Week — 5:54 am ET (0954 GMT) Airbus, Thales, Leonardo form European space giant amid global contest
C4ISRnet — 5:54 am ET (0954 GMT) Aerospace firms link up to create European rival to Musk’s SpaceX
The Guardian — 5:53 am ET (0953 GMT) Vantor Secures USSF Contract For Space-to-Space Imaging
Aviation Week — 5:44 am ET (0944 GMT) |
