Magnified Mars
Explanation:
At first glance,
this sharp, color close-up gives the
strong impression of pebbles strewn over a sandy beach.
But the picture is one of the first
microscopic images of
another planet, captured by the Opportunity rover on its tenth
sol
on the martian surface
at Meridiani Planum.
The patch of soil measures about 3 centimeters (1.2 inches)
across.
It is shown in shades approximating what the eye
might see, obtained by combining pictures of the soil with
and
without the microscopic imager's
orange-tinted dust cover in place.
Searching
for evidence
of past water on Mars,
researchers note that both volcanic and
water-related accretion
processes could have produced the striking circular grain at
the lower left.
However,
other
investigations now indicate the soil near
the lander contains
olivine, an iron-bearing mineral
common in volcanic rocks, while a signature of
the iron mineral
hematite was found in soil around
a nearby rocky outcrop.
On planet Earth,
hematite
often forms in association with liquid water.
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.
