Dust Hip Deep on Phobos
Explanation:
Landing on the Martian Moon
Phobos might be harder than previously thought. The reason:
Moon dust.
Recent photographs of Phobos have indicated that
a layer of fine powder estimated to be a meter deep
covers the whole surface.
Evidence comes from
infrared pictures that indicate the rapid speed that
Phobos' surface cools after sunset.
The
above high-resolution picture of Phobos
was taken last month by the
Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft now orbiting
Mars. The larger of two Martian moons,
measures about 20 kilometers across,
and orbits so close that Mars' gravity should
rip it apart in another 50 million years.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
