Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Mar 1978
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1978sciam.238...76a&link_type=abstract
Scientific American, vol. 238, Mar. 1978, p. 76, 77, 80-89.
Mathematics
Logic
1
Mariner 9 Space Probe, Mars Photographs, Mars Surface, Viking Lander Spacecraft, Viking Orbiter Spacecraft, Atmospheric Pressure, Atmospheric Temperature, Dust Storms, Ice, Mars Atmosphere, Meteorite Craters, Topography, Viking Lander 1, Viking Lander 2, Mars, Viking, Surface, Topography, Popular
Scientific paper
The Martian surface is described in light of the probes which have been sent to examine it. First discussed are Mariner 9 observations, which revealed dust layers imbedded in ice, craters, and other large topological features. Then, the findings of the Viking Orbiters and Landers are dealt with in greater detail. These latest missions to Mars were able to examine topography more thoroughly than was possible with Mariner, and to examine soil and rock composition for the first time close-up. Sites of the two Landers, Chryse- and Utopia Planitia, are contrasted and deductions about the history and development of the Martian surface are made, most notably that water ice exists in large quantities on Mars, but that the atmospheric temperature and pressure were probably never high enough to melt it to any significant degree. In addition, the rate of aeolian erosion is said to have been consistantly low, supporting the notion that the atmosphere was never much denser than it is now. Finally, future unmanned missions are projected, including a more sophisticated orbiter, a Martian rover, penetration rockets launched from orbiting platforms that could serve as seismic and meteorological stations, and an earth-return sampling mission.
Arvidson Ray E.
Binder Alan B.
Jones Kenneth L.
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