Despite the fact that humans have owned machines on Mars for many years, there is still a huge lack of knowledge. So much so that, for the first time, NASA’s Insight spacecraft detected a very strong earthquake on Mars soil. Such vibration has never been recorded outside of Earth.
The “quake,” which occurred on May 4 with a magnitude of 5, easily surpassed the previous record of magnitude 4.2 in a quake discovered by Insight in August last year.
In another study of the natural event, which NASA called a "brutal earthquake," scientists will determine its exact location and the nature of its source. We hope it will also provide more information about the interior of the Red Planet.
I felt this. After more than three years of listening to the gentle gurgle of Mars, I felt the biggest "earthquake" ever: it seemed to be a magnitude 5. My team is studying the data to find out more. Science rewards patience! "
As the agency stated on its Twitter account:
I felt like that‼️
After more than three years of listening to the soft gurgle of Mars, I just felt my biggest "earthquake" yet: it looks like it's about magnitude 5. My team is studying the data to find out more. Science rewards patience!
More details: https://t.co/DKVy8tUrxU pic.twitter.com/bExr13Lkvw
- NASA InSight (@NASAInSight) May 9, 2022
The unknown geology of Mars
Mars does not have the type of tectonic plates whose sudden movements cause the Earth to shake. Instead, Martian earthquakes are caused by volcanic activity.
Scientists are interested in studying the seismic activity of the Red Planet, as the data may contribute to a better understanding of the Red Planet's mantle and core.
according to Indicates NASA, in more than three years of observing Mars, the InSight spacecraft has detected more than 1,313 earthquakes. A highly sensitive seismometer operates under a dome that blocks the sound of the wind and protects it from cold nights.
Analyzing what happened, Bruce Banerdt, InSight Principal Investigator at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory said:
Since we fixed our seismometer in December 2018We were waiting for the "big". This earthquake will surely provide a view of the planet like no other. Scientists will analyze this data to learn new things about Mars in the coming years.
NASA also reported that InSight is currently experiencing problems with Martian dust covering its solar panels, resulting in reduced efficiency.
This NASA robot can attempt to remove dust by using its robotic arm to push sand through panels. Windy conditions can also remove it, but the paranoid must be lucky to experience such weather.
The dust is also causing problems for NASA's Ingenuity helicopter, which last year became the first aircraft to make a controlled, powered flight on another planet.
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