A Patch of Spherules on Mars
Explanation:
Some patches of Mars are full of mysterious tiny
spherules.
The microscopic imager on board the Opportunity rover on Mars recorded,
last week, the
above
image showing over a dozen.
The image was taken near a rock outcrop called
Stone Mountain
and spans roughly 6 centimeters across.
A typical diameter for one of the
pictured spherules is only about 4 millimeters,
roughly the size of a small
blueberry.
The
spherules
appear to be much grayer and harder than surrounding rock.
Debate rages on the origin of the
tiny spherules,
and whether their shape has to do with a
slow accumulation of sediments suspended in water, or
flash-frozen rock expelled during a
meteor impact or volcanic eruption.
A layered spherule, if ever found, would favor a water-based origin.
Meanwhile,
Opportunity is being programmed to
dig into the Martian surface of
Meridiani Planum to see what is there.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
