2004-06-28 | MISSIONS
Mars Rover Surprises Continue; Spirit, Too, Finds Hematite
Both of NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers have made new and exciting discoveries concerning the history of water on Mars. Spirit used a mineral-identifying instrument to detect hematite in a knobby rock just past where the "Columbia Hills" start to rise from the surrounding plain. Hematite has been identified as a possible indicator of past water activity.
On the other side of the planet, Opportunity is continuing to descend into 'Endurance Crater' and has also returned significant scientific data. In Endurance Crater, Opportunity has found unexpected similarities between lower layers of rock it is examining for the first time and an overlying layer at ÂEagle Crater where, months ago, the rover discovered evidence that water once soaked the area.
Because life as we know it needs water to survive, understanding the history of water on Mars is important in determining the potential for past or present life on the planet.
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from NASA - JPL, Jun 28, 2004
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