Curiosity - Revision history

Suitupshowup: /* Organic Chemicals */ added new info and ref about organic chemicals

2026-04-24T15:55:27Z

Organic Chemicals: added new info and ref about organic chemicals

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:55, 24 April 2026
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	In late June, 2022, NASA announced the amount of total carbon found in early samples at Gale Crater. At least 200 to 273 parts per million of organic carbon was measured. This level of organics is comparable to or even greater than the amount found in rocks in some locations on Earth, such as in the Atacama Desert This amount is even more than found in Mars meteorites. Organic cemicals are evidence that Mars could have had life, but organic carbon can also come from nonliving sources, such as meteorites, volcanoes, or be formed in place by surface reactions. <ref>https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-curiosity-takes-inventory-of-key-life-ingredient-on-mars?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nasajpl&utm_content=daily20220627-1</ref> <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65sibaYV2X8</ref>		In late June, 2022, NASA announced the amount of total carbon found in early samples at Gale Crater. At least 200 to 273 parts per million of organic carbon was measured. This level of organics is comparable to or even greater than the amount found in rocks in some locations on Earth, such as in the Atacama Desert This amount is even more than found in Mars meteorites. Organic cemicals are evidence that Mars could have had life, but organic carbon can also come from nonliving sources, such as meteorites, volcanoes, or be formed in place by surface reactions. <ref>https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-curiosity-takes-inventory-of-key-life-ingredient-on-mars?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nasajpl&utm_content=daily20220627-1</ref> <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65sibaYV2X8</ref>

			The first group of organic molecules found in Gale crater were simple aromatic, S-heterocycles, and aliphatic organic molecules. In research done by a very large group of scientists, over 20 organic molecules from clay-bearing sandstones were described. They were discovered in the ~3.5-billion-year-old Knockfarrill Hill member of Glen Torridon, Gale crater, by the Sample Analysis at Mars instrument suite onboard the Curiosity rover. It can’t be determined how these molecules were made. They could be exogenous (e.g., meteoritic, cometary, or interplanetary dust particles) or endogenous (e.g., abiotically or biologically produced). <ref>Williams, A.J., Eigenbrode, J.L., Millan, M. et al. Diverse organic molecules on Mars revealed by the first SAM TMAH experiment. Nat Commun 17, 2748 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-70656-0 </ref>

	===Minerals and Rocks of Mars===		===Minerals and Rocks of Mars===

Suitupshowup: added info about carbonates

2025-04-26T15:00:21Z

added info about carbonates

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:00, 26 April 2025
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	French and U.S. scientists found a type of granite after studying images and chemical results of 22 rock fragments. The composition of the rocks was resolved with the ChemCam instrument. These pale rocks are rich in feldspar and may contain some quartz. The rocks are similar to Earth's granitic continental crust. On Earth these kinds of rocks form deep underground and are later exposed by erosion. By landing in Gale crater, Curiosity was able to sample a variety of rocks because the crater dug deep into the crust, thus exposing old rocks, some of which may be about 3.6 billion years old. For many years, Mars was thought to be composed of only the dark, igneous rock basalt, so this is a significant discovery.<ref>http://spaceref.com/mars/evidence-of-mars-primitive-continental-crust.html</ref> <ref>https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150714142051.htm</ref> <ref> Sautter, V.; Toplis, M.; Wiens, R.; Cousin, A.; Fabre, C.; Gasnault, O.; Maurice, S.; Forni, O.; Lasue, J.; Ollila, A.; Bridges, J.; Mangold, N.; Le Mouélic, S.; Fisk, M.; Meslin, P.-Y.; Beck, P.; Pinet, P.; Le Deit, L.; Rapin, W.; Stolper, E.; Newsom, H.; Dyar, D.; Lanza, N.; Vaniman, D.; Clegg, S.; Wray, J. (2015). "In situ evidence for continental crust on early Mars" (PDF). Nature Geoscience. 8 (8): 605–609.</ref>		French and U.S. scientists found a type of granite after studying images and chemical results of 22 rock fragments. The composition of the rocks was resolved with the ChemCam instrument. These pale rocks are rich in feldspar and may contain some quartz. The rocks are similar to Earth's granitic continental crust. On Earth these kinds of rocks form deep underground and are later exposed by erosion. By landing in Gale crater, Curiosity was able to sample a variety of rocks because the crater dug deep into the crust, thus exposing old rocks, some of which may be about 3.6 billion years old. For many years, Mars was thought to be composed of only the dark, igneous rock basalt, so this is a significant discovery.<ref>http://spaceref.com/mars/evidence-of-mars-primitive-continental-crust.html</ref> <ref>https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150714142051.htm</ref> <ref> Sautter, V.; Toplis, M.; Wiens, R.; Cousin, A.; Fabre, C.; Gasnault, O.; Maurice, S.; Forni, O.; Lasue, J.; Ollila, A.; Bridges, J.; Mangold, N.; Le Mouélic, S.; Fisk, M.; Meslin, P.-Y.; Beck, P.; Pinet, P.; Le Deit, L.; Rapin, W.; Stolper, E.; Newsom, H.; Dyar, D.; Lanza, N.; Vaniman, D.; Clegg, S.; Wray, J. (2015). "In situ evidence for continental crust on early Mars" (PDF). Nature Geoscience. 8 (8): 605–609.</ref>
	As of 2018, Curiosity's CheMin has discovered discovered olivine, pyroxene, feldspar, quartz, magnetite, iron sulfides (pyrite)and pyrrhotite), akaganeite, jarosite, and calcium sulfates (gypsum, anhydrite, basanite) <ref>Lakdawalla, E. 2018. The Design and Engineering of Curiosity: How the Mars Rover Performs its job. Springer Praxis Publishing. Chichester, UK </ref> Some data that was obtained from the Curiosity Rover revealed iron carbonates. CheMin measurements of rocks found crystalline siderite (FeCO3). One rock contained over 10 % of the mineral. The rocks also were composed of the silicate mineral plagioclase with the elements sodium (Na)–, Ca-, and aluminum (Al)–, as well as Ca- and Mg-bearing silicate mineral pyroxene. Other minerals found were calcium sulfates, magnesium sulfates, different amounts of iron oxyhydroxides, and an unidentified x-ray amorphous material.		As of 2018, Curiosity's CheMin has discovered discovered olivine, pyroxene, feldspar, quartz, magnetite, iron sulfides (pyrite)and pyrrhotite), akaganeite, jarosite, and calcium sulfates (gypsum, anhydrite, basanite) <ref>Lakdawalla, E. 2018. The Design and Engineering of Curiosity: How the Mars Rover Performs its job. Springer Praxis Publishing. Chichester, UK </ref> Some data that was obtained from the Curiosity Rover revealed iron carbonates. CheMin measurements of rocks found crystalline siderite (FeCO3). One rock contained over 10 % of the mineral. The rocks also were composed of the silicate mineral plagioclase with the elements sodium (Na)–, Ca-, and aluminum (Al)–, as well as Ca- and Mg-bearing silicate mineral pyroxene. Other minerals found were calcium sulfates, magnesium sulfates, different amounts of iron oxyhydroxides, and an unidentified x-ray amorphous material.
	Better data that was obtained from the Curiosity Rover did find some iron carbonates. CheMin measurements of rocks found crystalline siderite (FeCO3). One rock contained over 10 % of the mineral. The rocks also were composed of the silicate mineral plagioclase with the elements sodium (Na)–, Ca-, and aluminum (Al)–, as well as Ca- and Mg-bearing silicate mineral pyroxene. Other minerals found were calcium sulfates, magnesium sulfates, different amounts of iron oxyhydroxides, and an unidentified x-ray amorphous material. Rover’s Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) instrument uses x-ray diffraction to determine sample mineralogy.<ref> https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado9966</ref>		Better data that was obtained from the Curiosity Rover did find some iron carbonates. CheMin measurements of rocks found crystalline siderite (FeCO3). One rock contained over 10 % of the mineral. The rocks also were composed of the silicate mineral plagioclase with the elements sodium (Na)–, Ca-, and aluminum (Al)–, as well as Ca- and Mg-bearing silicate mineral pyroxene. Other minerals found were calcium sulfates, magnesium sulfates, different amounts of iron oxyhydroxides, and an unidentified x-ray amorphous material. Rover’s Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) instrument uses x-ray diffraction to determine sample mineralogy. The names of the rock formations and drill sites are CA, Canaima; TC, Tapo Caparo; UB, Ubajara; and SQ, Sequoia. V<ref> https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado9966</ref>

	===Life was possible in Gale Crater===		===Life was possible in Gale Crater===

Suitupshowup: /* Minerals and Rocks of Mars */ added more info about chemin

2025-04-26T14:56:08Z

Minerals and Rocks of Mars: added more info about chemin

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:56, 26 April 2025
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	In the journal ''Science'' from September 2013, researchers explained a different type of rock called "Jake M (rock)" or "Jake Matijevic (rock),” It was the first rock analyzed by the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer instrument on the ''Curiosity'' rover, and was different from other known Martian igneous rocks as it is alkaline (>15% normative nepheline) and relatively fractionated. Fractionated rocks form as magma cools in large magma chambers. In those chambers some minerals float to the surface; others sink due to a higher density. Jake M is similar to terrestrial mugearites, a rock type typically found at ocean islands and continental rifts. Jake M's discovery may mean that alkaline magmas may be more common on Mars than on Earth and that Curiosity could encounter even more fractionated alkaline rocks (for example, phonolites and trachytes).<ref>Stolper, E.; et al. (2013). "The Petrochemistry of Jake M: A Martian Mugearite" (PDF). Science (Submitted manuscript). 341 (6153): 6153. https://authors.library.caltech.edu/41547/ </ref>		In the journal ''Science'' from September 2013, researchers explained a different type of rock called "Jake M (rock)" or "Jake Matijevic (rock),” It was the first rock analyzed by the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer instrument on the ''Curiosity'' rover, and was different from other known Martian igneous rocks as it is alkaline (>15% normative nepheline) and relatively fractionated. Fractionated rocks form as magma cools in large magma chambers. In those chambers some minerals float to the surface; others sink due to a higher density. Jake M is similar to terrestrial mugearites, a rock type typically found at ocean islands and continental rifts. Jake M's discovery may mean that alkaline magmas may be more common on Mars than on Earth and that Curiosity could encounter even more fractionated alkaline rocks (for example, phonolites and trachytes).<ref>Stolper, E.; et al. (2013). "The Petrochemistry of Jake M: A Martian Mugearite" (PDF). Science (Submitted manuscript). 341 (6153): 6153. https://authors.library.caltech.edu/41547/ </ref>
	French and U.S. scientists found a type of granite after studying images and chemical results of 22 rock fragments. The composition of the rocks was resolved with the ChemCam instrument. These pale rocks are rich in feldspar and may contain some quartz. The rocks are similar to Earth's granitic continental crust. On Earth these kinds of rocks form deep underground and are later exposed by erosion. By landing in Gale crater, Curiosity was able to sample a variety of rocks because the crater dug deep into the crust, thus exposing old rocks, some of which may be about 3.6 billion years old. For many years, Mars was thought to be composed of only the dark, igneous rock basalt, so this is a significant discovery.<ref>http://spaceref.com/mars/evidence-of-mars-primitive-continental-crust.html</ref> <ref>https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150714142051.htm</ref> <ref> Sautter, V.; Toplis, M.; Wiens, R.; Cousin, A.; Fabre, C.; Gasnault, O.; Maurice, S.; Forni, O.; Lasue, J.; Ollila, A.; Bridges, J.; Mangold, N.; Le Mouélic, S.; Fisk, M.; Meslin, P.-Y.; Beck, P.; Pinet, P.; Le Deit, L.; Rapin, W.; Stolper, E.; Newsom, H.; Dyar, D.; Lanza, N.; Vaniman, D.; Clegg, S.; Wray, J. (2015). "In situ evidence for continental crust on early Mars" (PDF). Nature Geoscience. 8 (8): 605–609.</ref>		French and U.S. scientists found a type of granite after studying images and chemical results of 22 rock fragments. The composition of the rocks was resolved with the ChemCam instrument. These pale rocks are rich in feldspar and may contain some quartz. The rocks are similar to Earth's granitic continental crust. On Earth these kinds of rocks form deep underground and are later exposed by erosion. By landing in Gale crater, Curiosity was able to sample a variety of rocks because the crater dug deep into the crust, thus exposing old rocks, some of which may be about 3.6 billion years old. For many years, Mars was thought to be composed of only the dark, igneous rock basalt, so this is a significant discovery.<ref>http://spaceref.com/mars/evidence-of-mars-primitive-continental-crust.html</ref> <ref>https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150714142051.htm</ref> <ref> Sautter, V.; Toplis, M.; Wiens, R.; Cousin, A.; Fabre, C.; Gasnault, O.; Maurice, S.; Forni, O.; Lasue, J.; Ollila, A.; Bridges, J.; Mangold, N.; Le Mouélic, S.; Fisk, M.; Meslin, P.-Y.; Beck, P.; Pinet, P.; Le Deit, L.; Rapin, W.; Stolper, E.; Newsom, H.; Dyar, D.; Lanza, N.; Vaniman, D.; Clegg, S.; Wray, J. (2015). "In situ evidence for continental crust on early Mars" (PDF). Nature Geoscience. 8 (8): 605–609.</ref>
	As of 2018, Curiosity's CheMin has discovered discovered olivine, pyroxene, feldspar, quartz, magnetite, iron sulfides (pyrite)and pyrrhotite), akaganeite, jarosite, and calcium sulfates (gypsum, anhydrite, basanite) <ref>Lakdawalla, E. 2018. The Design and Engineering of Curiosity: How the Mars Rover Performs its job. Springer Praxis Publishing. Chichester, UK </ref> Some data that was obtained from the Curiosity Rover revealed iron carbonates. CheMin measurements of rocks found crystalline siderite (FeCO3). One rock contained over 10 % of the mineral. The rocks also were composed of the silicate mineral plagioclase with the elements sodium (Na)–, Ca-, and aluminum (Al)–, as well as Ca- and Mg-bearing silicate mineral pyroxene. Other minerals found were calcium sulfates, magnesium sulfates, different amounts of iron oxyhydroxides, and an unidentified x-ray amorphous material.<ref> https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado9966</ref>		As of 2018, Curiosity's CheMin has discovered discovered olivine, pyroxene, feldspar, quartz, magnetite, iron sulfides (pyrite)and pyrrhotite), akaganeite, jarosite, and calcium sulfates (gypsum, anhydrite, basanite) <ref>Lakdawalla, E. 2018. The Design and Engineering of Curiosity: How the Mars Rover Performs its job. Springer Praxis Publishing. Chichester, UK </ref> Some data that was obtained from the Curiosity Rover revealed iron carbonates. CheMin measurements of rocks found crystalline siderite (FeCO3). One rock contained over 10 % of the mineral. The rocks also were composed of the silicate mineral plagioclase with the elements sodium (Na)–, Ca-, and aluminum (Al)–, as well as Ca- and Mg-bearing silicate mineral pyroxene. Other minerals found were calcium sulfates, magnesium sulfates, different amounts of iron oxyhydroxides, and an unidentified x-ray amorphous material.
			Better data that was obtained from the Curiosity Rover did find some iron carbonates. CheMin measurements of rocks found crystalline siderite (FeCO3). One rock contained over 10 % of the mineral. The rocks also were composed of the silicate mineral plagioclase with the elements sodium (Na)–, Ca-, and aluminum (Al)–, as well as Ca- and Mg-bearing silicate mineral pyroxene. Other minerals found were calcium sulfates, magnesium sulfates, different amounts of iron oxyhydroxides, and an unidentified x-ray amorphous material. Rover’s Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) instrument uses x-ray diffraction to determine sample mineralogy.<ref> https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado9966</ref>

	===Life was possible in Gale Crater===		===Life was possible in Gale Crater===

Suitupshowup: added new info and ref

2025-04-26T14:52:15Z

added new info and ref

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:52, 26 April 2025
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	In the journal ''Science'' from September 2013, researchers explained a different type of rock called "Jake M (rock)" or "Jake Matijevic (rock),” It was the first rock analyzed by the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer instrument on the ''Curiosity'' rover, and was different from other known Martian igneous rocks as it is alkaline (>15% normative nepheline) and relatively fractionated. Fractionated rocks form as magma cools in large magma chambers. In those chambers some minerals float to the surface; others sink due to a higher density. Jake M is similar to terrestrial mugearites, a rock type typically found at ocean islands and continental rifts. Jake M's discovery may mean that alkaline magmas may be more common on Mars than on Earth and that Curiosity could encounter even more fractionated alkaline rocks (for example, phonolites and trachytes).<ref>Stolper, E.; et al. (2013). "The Petrochemistry of Jake M: A Martian Mugearite" (PDF). Science (Submitted manuscript). 341 (6153): 6153. https://authors.library.caltech.edu/41547/ </ref>		In the journal ''Science'' from September 2013, researchers explained a different type of rock called "Jake M (rock)" or "Jake Matijevic (rock),” It was the first rock analyzed by the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer instrument on the ''Curiosity'' rover, and was different from other known Martian igneous rocks as it is alkaline (>15% normative nepheline) and relatively fractionated. Fractionated rocks form as magma cools in large magma chambers. In those chambers some minerals float to the surface; others sink due to a higher density. Jake M is similar to terrestrial mugearites, a rock type typically found at ocean islands and continental rifts. Jake M's discovery may mean that alkaline magmas may be more common on Mars than on Earth and that Curiosity could encounter even more fractionated alkaline rocks (for example, phonolites and trachytes).<ref>Stolper, E.; et al. (2013). "The Petrochemistry of Jake M: A Martian Mugearite" (PDF). Science (Submitted manuscript). 341 (6153): 6153. https://authors.library.caltech.edu/41547/ </ref>
	French and U.S. scientists found a type of granite after studying images and chemical results of 22 rock fragments. The composition of the rocks was resolved with the ChemCam instrument. These pale rocks are rich in feldspar and may contain some quartz. The rocks are similar to Earth's granitic continental crust. On Earth these kinds of rocks form deep underground and are later exposed by erosion. By landing in Gale crater, Curiosity was able to sample a variety of rocks because the crater dug deep into the crust, thus exposing old rocks, some of which may be about 3.6 billion years old. For many years, Mars was thought to be composed of only the dark, igneous rock basalt, so this is a significant discovery.<ref>http://spaceref.com/mars/evidence-of-mars-primitive-continental-crust.html</ref> <ref>https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150714142051.htm</ref> <ref> Sautter, V.; Toplis, M.; Wiens, R.; Cousin, A.; Fabre, C.; Gasnault, O.; Maurice, S.; Forni, O.; Lasue, J.; Ollila, A.; Bridges, J.; Mangold, N.; Le Mouélic, S.; Fisk, M.; Meslin, P.-Y.; Beck, P.; Pinet, P.; Le Deit, L.; Rapin, W.; Stolper, E.; Newsom, H.; Dyar, D.; Lanza, N.; Vaniman, D.; Clegg, S.; Wray, J. (2015). "In situ evidence for continental crust on early Mars" (PDF). Nature Geoscience. 8 (8): 605–609.</ref>		French and U.S. scientists found a type of granite after studying images and chemical results of 22 rock fragments. The composition of the rocks was resolved with the ChemCam instrument. These pale rocks are rich in feldspar and may contain some quartz. The rocks are similar to Earth's granitic continental crust. On Earth these kinds of rocks form deep underground and are later exposed by erosion. By landing in Gale crater, Curiosity was able to sample a variety of rocks because the crater dug deep into the crust, thus exposing old rocks, some of which may be about 3.6 billion years old. For many years, Mars was thought to be composed of only the dark, igneous rock basalt, so this is a significant discovery.<ref>http://spaceref.com/mars/evidence-of-mars-primitive-continental-crust.html</ref> <ref>https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150714142051.htm</ref> <ref> Sautter, V.; Toplis, M.; Wiens, R.; Cousin, A.; Fabre, C.; Gasnault, O.; Maurice, S.; Forni, O.; Lasue, J.; Ollila, A.; Bridges, J.; Mangold, N.; Le Mouélic, S.; Fisk, M.; Meslin, P.-Y.; Beck, P.; Pinet, P.; Le Deit, L.; Rapin, W.; Stolper, E.; Newsom, H.; Dyar, D.; Lanza, N.; Vaniman, D.; Clegg, S.; Wray, J. (2015). "In situ evidence for continental crust on early Mars" (PDF). Nature Geoscience. 8 (8): 605–609.</ref>
	As of 2018, Curiosity's CheMin has discovered discovered olivine, pyroxene, feldspar, quartz, magnetite, iron sulfides (pyrite)and pyrrhotite), akaganeite, jarosite, and calcium sulfates (gypsum, anhydrite, basanite) <ref>Lakdawalla, E. 2018. The Design and Engineering of Curiosity: How the Mars Rover Performs its job. Springer Praxis Publishing. Chichester, UK </ref>		As of 2018, Curiosity's CheMin has discovered discovered olivine, pyroxene, feldspar, quartz, magnetite, iron sulfides (pyrite)and pyrrhotite), akaganeite, jarosite, and calcium sulfates (gypsum, anhydrite, basanite) <ref>Lakdawalla, E. 2018. The Design and Engineering of Curiosity: How the Mars Rover Performs its job. Springer Praxis Publishing. Chichester, UK </ref> Some data that was obtained from the Curiosity Rover revealed iron carbonates. CheMin measurements of rocks found crystalline siderite (FeCO3). One rock contained over 10 % of the mineral. The rocks also were composed of the silicate mineral plagioclase with the elements sodium (Na)–, Ca-, and aluminum (Al)–, as well as Ca- and Mg-bearing silicate mineral pyroxene. Other minerals found were calcium sulfates, magnesium sulfates, different amounts of iron oxyhydroxides, and an unidentified x-ray amorphous material.<ref> https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado9966</ref>

	===Life was possible in Gale Crater===		===Life was possible in Gale Crater===

Suitupshowup: /* Flowing water */ added more info

2025-02-19T15:28:03Z

Flowing water: added more info

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:28, 19 February 2025
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	Research, published by a team of 11 scientists, in February 2025 described wave ripples in Gale crater that show that liquid water flowed there. The ripples were found in two different time periods. Calculations based on their shape and sizes revealed that they were formed in shallow moving water. The water could have been as deep as 2 meters. Before this study, it was thought that any exposed body of water would quickly develop a sheet of ice at the top.		Research, published by a team of 11 scientists, in February 2025 described wave ripples in Gale crater that show that liquid water flowed there. The ripples were found in two different time periods. Calculations based on their shape and sizes revealed that they were formed in shallow moving water. The water could have been as deep as 2 meters. Before this study, it was thought that any exposed body of water would quickly develop a sheet of ice at the top.
	Hence, this is a significant discovery.<ref>https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr0010</ref> <ref>Mondro, C., et al. 2015. Wave ripples formed in ancient, ice-free lakes in Gale crater, Mars. Science Advances. Vol 11, Issue 3. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adr0010</ref>		Hence, this is a significant discovery. The ripples were found in a spot called the Mirador formation.<ref>https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr0010</ref> <ref>Mondro, C., et al. 2015. Wave ripples formed in ancient, ice-free lakes in Gale crater, Mars. Science Advances. Vol 11, Issue 3. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adr0010</ref>

	=== Meteorites===		=== Meteorites===

Suitupshowup at 14:28, 19 February 2025

2025-02-19T14:28:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:28, 19 February 2025
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	Research, published by a team of 11 scientists, in February 2025 described wave ripples in Gale crater that show that liquid water flowed there. The ripples were found in two different time periods. Calculations based on their shape and sizes revealed that they were formed in shallow moving water. The water could have been as deep as 2 meters. Before this study, it was thought that any exposed body of water would quickly develop a sheet of ice at the top.		Research, published by a team of 11 scientists, in February 2025 described wave ripples in Gale crater that show that liquid water flowed there. The ripples were found in two different time periods. Calculations based on their shape and sizes revealed that they were formed in shallow moving water. The water could have been as deep as 2 meters. Before this study, it was thought that any exposed body of water would quickly develop a sheet of ice at the top.
	Hence, this is a significant discovery.<ref>https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr0010</ref> <ref>Mondro, C., et al. 2015. Wave ripples formed in ancient, ice-free lakes in Gale crater, Mars. Science Advances. Vol 11, Issue 3. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adr0010</ref>		Hence, this is a significant discovery.<ref>https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr0010</ref> <ref>Mondro, C., et al. 2015. Wave ripples formed in ancient, ice-free lakes in Gale crater, Mars. Science Advances. Vol 11, Issue 3. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adr0010</ref>

	=== Meteorites===		=== Meteorites===

Suitupshowup: /* Meteorites */ added new info and ref in a new section

2025-02-19T14:27:02Z

Meteorites: added new info and ref in a new section

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:27, 19 February 2025
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	The third possibility is organisms creating methane that is enriched in carbon 12. The methane, a gas, would be converted to organic compounds in the air by UV, and then land on the ground.		The third possibility is organisms creating methane that is enriched in carbon 12. The methane, a gas, would be converted to organic compounds in the air by UV, and then land on the ground.
	This study suggests the existence of life on Mars, but it would nice to find some complex organic molecules like proteins, fats, enzymes, or nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) that are closely associated with living process, but none have so far been found. Also, small items that look like fossils would be the icing on the cake to scientists.		This study suggests the existence of life on Mars, but it would nice to find some complex organic molecules like proteins, fats, enzymes, or nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) that are closely associated with living process, but none have so far been found. Also, small items that look like fossils would be the icing on the cake to scientists.

			==Flowing water==

			Research, published by a team of 11 scientists, in February 2025 described wave ripples in Gale crater that show that liquid water flowed there. The ripples were found in two different time periods. Calculations based on their shape and sizes revealed that they were formed in shallow moving water. The water could have been as deep as 2 meters. Before this study, it was thought that any exposed body of water would quickly develop a sheet of ice at the top.
			Hence, this is a significant discovery.<ref>https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr0010</ref> <ref>Mondro, C., et al. 2015. Wave ripples formed in ancient, ice-free lakes in Gale crater, Mars. Science Advances. Vol 11, Issue 3. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adr0010</ref>

	=== Meteorites===		=== Meteorites===

Suitupshowup: /* Water */ added image

2023-08-23T13:21:09Z

Water: added image

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:21, 23 August 2023
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	Hexagon ridges found in Gale crater show that liquid water may have existed for a long time and not just when an impact or volcano erupted. To make the ridges the ground must have gone through many cycles of water saturating the surface and then drying. Water that developed from the heat of an impact or volcanic process may have persisted for thousands of years, but would not have undergone wet and dry cycles.The ridges were joined at Y-junctions that made hexagonal shapes. Calcium-sulfate and variable magnesium-sulfate were detected in the ridges. These chemicals were deposited by mineral-rich fluids. Originally, there were cracks and then fluids carrying dissolved minerals entered and deposited minerals. Those minerals hardened such that they were harder than the surrounding rock. Later, when erosion took place, ridges were exposed, as they did not erode as much as the surroundings.		Hexagon ridges found in Gale crater show that liquid water may have existed for a long time and not just when an impact or volcano erupted. To make the ridges the ground must have gone through many cycles of water saturating the surface and then drying. Water that developed from the heat of an impact or volcanic process may have persisted for thousands of years, but would not have undergone wet and dry cycles.The ridges were joined at Y-junctions that made hexagonal shapes. Calcium-sulfate and variable magnesium-sulfate were detected in the ridges. These chemicals were deposited by mineral-rich fluids. Originally, there were cracks and then fluids carrying dissolved minerals entered and deposited minerals. Those minerals hardened such that they were harder than the surrounding rock. Later, when erosion took place, ridges were exposed, as they did not erode as much as the surroundings.


			File:Mudcracksgale.jpg
			[[File:Mudcracksgale.jpg\|center\|thumb\|320px\| Hexagonal ridges formed by mineral-rich water moving through cracks. These are evidence for water lasting a long time.]]

	This discovery is significant. Much evidence exists to show that impacts and volcanic activity could melt ground ice to make liquid water. However, that water may not last long enough for life to develop. This new finding shows here it is not the case–water stayed for some time as it cycled to near dryness at times. For an impact or volcanic activity the water would stay around for thousands of years, but would not show seasonal cycles. Also, with water coming and going there is a better chance of more complex organic compounds being produced. As water evaporates chemicals are concentrated and have a better chance of combining. For example when amino acids are concentrated they are more likely to link up to form proteins. Likewise, nucleotides can form from ribose and phosphate when enriched in small volumes of water. And then RNA and DNA can be created. <ref>Rapin, W., et al. 2023. Sustained wet–dry cycling on early Mars. Nature. Vol 620: 299</ref> <ref> https://mars.nasa.gov/news/9459/cracks-in-ancient-martian-mud-surprise-nasas-curiosity-rover-team/</ref>		This discovery is significant. Much evidence exists to show that impacts and volcanic activity could melt ground ice to make liquid water. However, that water may not last long enough for life to develop. This new finding shows here it is not the case–water stayed for some time as it cycled to near dryness at times. For an impact or volcanic activity the water would stay around for thousands of years, but would not show seasonal cycles. Also, with water coming and going there is a better chance of more complex organic compounds being produced. As water evaporates chemicals are concentrated and have a better chance of combining. For example when amino acids are concentrated they are more likely to link up to form proteins. Likewise, nucleotides can form from ribose and phosphate when enriched in small volumes of water. And then RNA and DNA can be created. <ref>Rapin, W., et al. 2023. Sustained wet–dry cycling on early Mars. Nature. Vol 620: 299</ref> <ref> https://mars.nasa.gov/news/9459/cracks-in-ancient-martian-mud-surprise-nasas-curiosity-rover-team/</ref>

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	NASA released a picture in February 2023 that shows strong evidence for water. "This is the best evidence of water and waves that we've seen in the entire mission," said Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity's project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. These kind of ripple marks are common on Earth along the seashore or bottom of shallow lakes. In the distant past on Mars, waves on the surface of a shallow lake stirred up sediment at the lake bottom to form rippled textures.<ref> https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidbressan/2023/02/09/nasas-curiosity-rover-finds-first-traces-of-a-fossil-lake-on-mars/?sh=10a253dca82f</ref>		NASA released a picture in February 2023 that shows strong evidence for water. "This is the best evidence of water and waves that we've seen in the entire mission," said Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity's project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. These kind of ripple marks are common on Earth along the seashore or bottom of shallow lakes. In the distant past on Mars, waves on the surface of a shallow lake stirred up sediment at the lake bottom to form rippled textures.<ref> https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidbressan/2023/02/09/nasas-curiosity-rover-finds-first-traces-of-a-fossil-lake-on-mars/?sh=10a253dca82f</ref>

			Hexagon ridges found in Gale crater show that liquid water may have existed for a long time and not just when an impact or volcano erupted. To make the ridges the ground must have gone through many cycles of water saturating the surface and then drying. Water that developed from the heat of an impact or volcanic process may have persisted for thousands of years, but would not have undergone wet and dry cycles.The ridges were joined at Y-junctions that made hexagonal shapes. Calcium-sulfate and variable magnesium-sulfate were detected in the ridges. These chemicals were deposited by mineral-rich fluids. Originally, there were cracks and then fluids carrying dissolved minerals entered and deposited minerals. Those minerals hardened such that they were harder than the surrounding rock. Later, when erosion took place, ridges were exposed, as they did not erode as much as the surroundings.

			This discovery is significant. Much evidence exists to show that impacts and volcanic activity could melt ground ice to make liquid water. However, that water may not last long enough for life to develop. This new finding shows here it is not the case–water stayed for some time as it cycled to near dryness at times. For an impact or volcanic activity the water would stay around for thousands of years, but would not show seasonal cycles. Also, with water coming and going there is a better chance of more complex organic compounds being produced. As water evaporates chemicals are concentrated and have a better chance of combining. For example when amino acids are concentrated they are more likely to link up to form proteins. Likewise, nucleotides can form from ribose and phosphate when enriched in small volumes of water. And then RNA and DNA can be created. <ref>Rapin, W., et al. 2023. Sustained wet–dry cycling on early Mars. Nature. Vol 620: 299</ref> <ref> https://mars.nasa.gov/news/9459/cracks-in-ancient-martian-mud-surprise-nasas-curiosity-rover-team/</ref>

	===Radiation levels===		===Radiation levels===

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2023-03-20T21:21:14Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 22:21, 20 March 2023
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	===Minerals and Rocks of Mars===		===Minerals and Rocks of Mars===

	With a complex of instruments on Curiosity, we were able to determine a great deal more about the geological make-up and history of Mars. Many, may rocks and soil samples were analyzed by various devices. Basically, we understand Mars as being mostly made of volcanic materials, especially the dark rock basalt which comes out of volcanoes. Mars has many huge volcanoes so this is to be expected.		With a complex of instruments on Curiosity, we were able to determine a great deal more about the geological make-up and history of Mars. Many, may rocks and soil samples were analyzed by various devices.<ref>Gasnault, O., et al. 2023. CHEMCAM: ZAPPING MARS FOR 10 YEARS (AND MORE). 54th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference 2023 (LPI Contrib. No. 2806). 2076.pdf.</ref> Basically, we understand Mars as being mostly made of volcanic materials, especially the dark rock basalt which comes out of volcanoes. Mars has many huge volcanoes so this is to be expected.
	We also found that many of the minerals that weather from basalt. By studying these minerals we can arrive at conclusions about the past conditions that produced them. Many of the minerals were hydrated. That means that water was around. Some of the minerals are clay minerals; clay minerals are significant because not only do they need lots of water to form, but they can’t develop in acid conditions. So, in summary the examinations of rocks/minerals show that Gale Crater contained a lake for a long time with a near neutral pH. It was neither acid or alkaline. The lake had water that could support life. On Earth some organisms have evolved to live in an acid environment, but the vast majority of Earth organisms live in liquids with a near neutral pH. Our stomachs secrete strong hydrochloric acid—not just to digest our foods, but the acid kill things that found there way into our stomachs.<ref>https://www.livestrong.com/article/419261-role-of-hydrochloric-acid-in-the-stomach/</ref>		We also found that many of the minerals that weather from basalt. By studying these minerals we can arrive at conclusions about the past conditions that produced them. Many of the minerals were hydrated. That means that water was around. Some of the minerals are clay minerals; clay minerals are significant because not only do they need lots of water to form, but they can’t develop in acid conditions. So, in summary the examinations of rocks/minerals show that Gale Crater contained a lake for a long time with a near neutral pH. It was neither acid or alkaline. The lake had water that could support life. On Earth some organisms have evolved to live in an acid environment, but the vast majority of Earth organisms live in liquids with a near neutral pH. Our stomachs secrete strong hydrochloric acid—not just to digest our foods, but the acid kill things that found there way into our stomachs.<ref>https://www.livestrong.com/article/419261-role-of-hydrochloric-acid-in-the-stomach/</ref>

	Besides basaltic minerals and their weathered products, Curiosity found what are called more evolved rocks. The minerals in these rocks were formed by various processes underground. These are significant because many of our useful mineral ores we use on Earth are from these more evolved minerals. We will understand much more of the history and deep structure of Mars when we receive data from instruments on the [[InSight Mission]]. It will use a seismometer and a heat probe. It landed in late November 2018 in the Elysium quadrangle.		Besides basaltic minerals and their weathered products, Curiosity found what are called more evolved rocks. The minerals in these rocks were formed by various processes underground. These are significant because many of our useful mineral ores we use on Earth are from these more evolved minerals. We will understand much more of the history and deep structure of Mars when we receive data from instruments on the [[InSight Mission]]. It will use a seismometer and a heat probe. It landed in late November 2018 in the Elysium quadrangle.