Liquid water 'lake' revealed on Mars

[Arthur]

Source: BBC

 

Researchers have found evidence of an existing body of liquid water on Mars.

 

What they believe to be a lake sits under the planet's south polar ice cap, and is about 20km (12 miles) across.

 

Previous research found possible signs of intermittent liquid water flowing on the martian surface, but this is the first sign of a persistent body of water on the planet in the present day.

 

Lake beds like those explored by Nasa's Curiosity rover show water was present on the surface of Mars in the past.

 

However, the planet's climate has since cooled due to its thin atmosphere, leaving most of its water locked up in ice.

 

The result is exciting because scientists have long searched for signs of present-day liquid water on Mars, but these have come up empty or yielded ambiguous findings. It will also interest those studying the possibilities for life beyond Earth - though it does not yet raise the stakes in the search for biology.

 

The discovery was made using Marsis, a radar instrument on board the European Space Agency's (Esa) Mars Express orbiter.

 

"It's probably not a very large lake," said Prof Roberto Orosei from the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics, who led the study.

 

Marsis wasn't able to determine how thick the layer of water might be, but the research team estimate that it is a minimum of one metre.

 

"This really qualifies this as a body of water. A lake, not some kind of meltwater filling some space between rock and ice, as happens in certain glaciers on Earth," Prof Orosei added.

[stevejp]

'President required, to establish strong political systems on a new planet. Experience preferred, preferably currently in post in a major nation. One-way ticket provided. A supplementary allowance may be considered for a candidate who can show aptitude in setting up golf-courses for potential visitors. Experience in nepotism an advantage.

 

Also, politicians with current/recent experience in (post 1) foreign affairs and (post 2) environmental affairs. Experience in high level male bovine poo needed.

 

Finally, experienced hair-dresser needed to provide essential care to two front-running candidates for above posts. Excellent salary, plus ear plugs and hardship allowance.'

Edited July 26, 2018 by stevejp

[6Foot2]

Link: Mars Express gets festive: A winter wonderland on Mars [ESA/Mars Express]

 

 

This image shows what appears to be a large patch of fresh, untrodden snow – a dream for any lover of the holiday season. However, it’s a little too distant for a last-minute winter getaway: this feature, known as Korolev crater, is found on Mars, and is shown here in beautiful detail as seen by Mars Express.

 

ESA’s Mars Express mission launched on 2 June 2003, and reached Mars six months later. The satellite fired its main engine and entered orbit around the Red Planet on 25 December, making this month the 15-year anniversary of the spacecraft’s orbit insertion and the beginning of its science programme.

 

These images are an excellent celebration of such a milestone. Taken by the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), this view of Korolev crater comprises five different ‘strips’ that have been combined to form a single image, with each strip gathered over a different orbit. The crater is also shown in perspective, context, and topographic views, all of which offer a more complete view of the terrain in and around the crater...