A potential biosignature is a substance or structure that might have a biological origin but requires more data or further study before a conclusion can be reached about the absence […]
HiRISE
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mars, Status Report
Deposits in Arsinoes Chaos – Possible Remnants Of An Ancient Lake On Mars
The objective of this observation is to examine a light-toned deposit in a region of chaos terrain. The deposit displays a rough surface, in contrast to the smoothness of the […]
Posted inCaves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Status Report
A Ring of Cratered Cones
In the center of this observation, we see a ring of cones that have developed over a crater rim. Lava appears to have deflated around and within the ring.
Posted inAnalog Studies, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Icy Worlds, Mars, Status Report
A Slice of Ice On Mars
This HiRISE image shows a deposit draping the surface like a blanket. The deposit is eroding away, and near the center of the image we can see a section that […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Desert Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Status Report
Monitoring Active Gullies On Mars From Orbit
Gullies are common on steep slopes of many impact craters on Mars. When gullies were first observed, there was a lot of excitement surrounding them because similar features form on […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mars, Status Report
Characterization Of Ferric Hydroxysulfate On Mars And Implications Of The Geochemical Environment Supporting Its Formation
Sulfate minerals are significant components of the martian surface and provide clues about the martian geochemical environment.
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Press Release
A Unique Martian Mineral Offers Fresh Clues About Planet’s Past
New research published in Nature Communications identifies an iron sulfate on Mars that may represent a brand-new mineral.
Posted inAstrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Ancient River Systems Reveal Mars Was Wetter Than We Thought
The discovery of more than 15,000 kilometres of ancient riverbeds on Mars suggests that the Red Planet may once have been much wetter than previously thought.
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Press Release
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Learns New Moves After Nearly 20 Years in Space
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is testing a series of large spacecraft rolls that will help it hunt for water.
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Icy Worlds, Life Support Systems, Mars, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Near-surface Water Ice On Mars
Before they take the long journey to another planet, humans will have to find the right place to land. New findings from a University of Mississippi researcher may point to […]