Physics
Scientific paper
Aug 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000mpse.conf...55g&link_type=abstract
International Conference on Mars Polar Science and Exploration, p. 55
Physics
Mars (Planet), Mars Atmosphere, Dust, Magnetic Properties, Magnets, Mars Pathfinder, Viking Mars Program, Accumulations, Optical Filters, Magnetic Flux
Scientific paper
The abstract summarizes the results from a new analysis of the data from the Magnetic Properties Experiment on Mars Pathfinder regarding the magnetic properties of the dust. The Mars Pathfinder lander carried two sets of the socalled Magnet Array (MA): an upper MA, placed on top of the electronics box, and a lower MA situated on the base petal between two of the solar-cell petals of the lander. Each MA consist of five "bulls eye" pattern magnets of various surface magnetic field strength. The Magnetic Properties Experiment on Mars Pathfinder is an extension of a similar experiment on the Viking Mission. One of the magnets of the Viking Magnetic Properties Experiment was exposed to airborne particles exclusively, the so-called RTC (Reference Test Chart) magnet. This magnet was of similar strength as the strongest magnet of the MAs (magnet no. 1) of the Pathfinder mission. The MA contained additionally weaker magnets, labeled no. 2-no. 5 in order of decreasing strength. During the mission, these magnets collected magnetic dust particles suspended in the Martian atmosphere. Pictures were taken of the magnets at regular intervals using various optical filters, and these data were used for the analysis. A picture of the lower MA taken on Sol 55 is shown. The bulls eye pattern on the strongest magnet is clearly visible and a similar pattern can be seen less clearly on the weaker magnets. The fact that the magnets are not fully covered with dust allows one to find the amount of dust accumulated onto the magnets. The amount of dust on the strongest magnets of the upper and lower M is seen as a function of Pathfinder sol. Two periods or instances, where dust has been removed from the MAs, can clearly be seen. The first between sol 23 and 26, and the second between sol 39 and 40. Schofield et. al. reported that a dust devil passed through the Pathfinder landing site on sol 25, offering a possible explanation for the removal of dust between sols 23 and 26. Additional information is obtained in the original extended abstract.
No associations
LandOfFree
Magnetic Properties of the Dust on Mars does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Magnetic Properties of the Dust on Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Magnetic Properties of the Dust on Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-741766