The surface of Mars is sterilized by ionizing radiation and pervasive oxidants; its shallow subsurface, shielded from ultraviolet light and the most reactive oxidation, may instead preserve habitable conditions.
Mars
Posted inUncategorized
An Empirical Determination Of The Cosmic Shoreline
The cosmic shoreline concept was introduced to separate planets with atmospheres from those without, by relating the cumulative X-ray and extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) instellation (integrated over the planet’s lifetime) to the […]
Posted inMars
Turbulence-coupled Electrodynamics Of The Martian Year 34 Global Dust Storm On Mar
We studied the electrodynamic environment during the Martian year 34 (MY 34) global dust storm using data from the Mars Climate Database v.6.1. Our physics-based approach looked at triboelectric charging, […]
Posted inTerraforming & Geoengineering
Conceptual Thermal Constraints On The Growth Of The First Tree On A Terraformed Mars
The environmental conditions on present‑day Mars are far outside the range tolerated by known complex terrestrial life.
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Habitable Zones, Mars, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release, Tricorders & Sensors
Mars Mission: A Stress Test For The Search For Life
Billions of years ago, environmental conditions on Mars were significantly more hospitable than they are today. Our neighbouring planet was likely warm, humid, and surrounded by a dense atmosphere.
Posted inExploration Gear & Tech, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Moon, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Sample Return
NASA Testing Advanced Capabilities For Moon And Mars Rovers
A prototype rover built with a new design for tackling rugged terrain is helping teams refine capabilities that could one day be used on future lunar and Red Planet missions.
Posted inMars, Missions & Hardware, Policy, Press Release
NASA Announces Public-Private Partnership to Advance Mars Science
NASA Wednesday announced a new public‑private partnership to advance Mars science by combining the agency’s scientific leadership with commercial innovation. Under this model, NASA will provide the Aeolus atmospheric‑science instrument […]
Posted inMars, Missions & Hardware, Policy, Reports, Roadmaps, & Plans, Status Report
Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) Memo On NASA’s Mars Exploration Program Budget
Members of the MEPAG (Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group) community, There have been deeply concerning developments in the NASA MEP budget and proposed federal R&A funding policy in the last […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Astrogeology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Impact events, Mars, Press Release
Shocked Soil Discovered: Rare On Earth, But Abundant On Mars?
When a meteoroid strikes, it generates a wave of energy that moves faster than the speed of sound. When all that energy propagates through material in seconds or less before […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Desert Worlds, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mars, Status Report
The Spring Awakening of Martian Polar Dunes
During the Martian winter, carbon dioxide ice (dry ice) blankets various landforms, including dunes, in the northern high latitudes. As spring arrives, the ice sublimates, causing unique changes on the […]