Curiosity performs first x-ray analysis of Martian soil
Posted: Thu, Nov 1, 2012, 5:42 AM ET (0942 GMT)
NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has performed the first x-ray diffraction analysis of Martian soil, finding it similar in composition to volcanic soils found in places like Hawaii. Scientists used Curiosity's Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) instrument to perform x-ray diffraction analysis of Martian regolith samples scooped into instrument by the rover's robotic arm. X-ray diffraction, used for the first time on Mars, to provide a more accurate identification of minerals in the soil sample. The CheMin data shows the soil sample has a composition similar to weathered basaltic soils seen on Earth in places like Hawaii, a result scientists said they expected. Curiosity scientists are expected to talk Friday about the latest studies of the planet's atmosphere, including, possibly, whether the rover has detected any traces of methane.
NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has performed the first x-ray diffraction analysis of Martian soil, finding it similar in composition to volcanic soils found in places like Hawaii. Scientists used Curiosity's Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) instrument to perform x-ray diffraction analysis of Martian regolith samples scooped into instrument by the rover's robotic arm. X-ray diffraction, used for the first time on Mars, to provide a more accurate identification of minerals in the soil sample. The CheMin data shows the soil sample has a composition similar to weathered basaltic soils seen on Earth in places like Hawaii, a result scientists said they expected. Curiosity scientists are expected to talk Friday about the latest studies of the planet's atmosphere, including, possibly, whether the rover has detected any traces of methane.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
NASA to launch Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope in September
Posted: Sat, Apr 25 10:54 AM ET (1454 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Tuesday, April 28
DOD budget proposes new $250 million space operations center on Schriever
Colorado Springs Gazette — 4:58 am ET (0858 GMT) US Picks Companies for Golden Dome Weapon That Might Not Be Affordable
Business Insider — 4:58 am ET (0858 GMT) S. Korea nears completion of five-satellite network to monitor North Korea
Korea Herald — 4:57 am ET (0857 GMT) Atlas V rocket successfully launches Amazon satellites from Cape Canaveral
WESH-TV Orlando — 4:55 am ET (0855 GMT) SpaceX Details Bumps To Starship V3 First Flight
Aviation Week — 4:54 am ET (0854 GMT) |
