Exploration of Mars***** (Week 8) Flashcards
1
Q
when was the first close up image of mars
A
1965 by NASA mariner 4
2
Q
by 1971 how much of the martian surface had been discovered
A
85%
3
Q
examples of a few mars missions
A
- ESA exomars trace gas orbiter in 2016
- NASA mars reconnaissance orbitor in 2006
- NASA mars global surveyor in 1996
4
Q
how can the composition of mars be determined
A
- chemistry on surface
- light interactions in chemistry can be used to determine mineralogy
- need landers and rovers
5
Q
what has been found from modern orbitors
A
- mars is dusty
- arid
- red oxidised surface
6
Q
why is Mars quite an inactive planet
A
- mars has an atmospheric pressure 1% of earth
- in phase diagram only stability for ice and vapour- HOWEVER brine water and salt can reduce freezing point of water
7
Q
where can water be found on mars today
A
- locked in a global cryosphere in south and north pole
8
Q
what is the morphological evidence for past water
A
- jezero crater delta- perseverance sent and delts evidence of carbonates which need water
- ripples by curiosity in gale crater
- mudcracks too
- around hadean on earth
9
Q
what is the geological history of mars
A
- pre- noachain (magnetic field and impact cratering)
noachian- (evidence of river channels and lakes)
hesperian- volcanic resurfacing, most water lost and atmosphere
10
Q
is mars today habitable?
A
not on the surface but potentially subsurface
- protection from surface extremes
- cryosphere- potential liquid water
- geothermal heat
only trace/ no free oxygen
- no evidence for microbial photo trophy on martian surface
11
Q
food on mars
A
- sulfur abundance and sulfate minerals
- can be oxidised or reduced
iron
methanogenesis
12
Q
what would prevent life from exisiting on mars
A
- mars is small (lost its atmosphere early on and cooled quick which lost its magnetic field)
- has ALOT of cosmic radiation
- dessicating
- not been overwhelemed like earth
