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Mars Through a Microscope

Phoenix takes unprecedented Mars shots

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 6, 2008 7:34 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Phoenix Mars Lander has taken the first high-resolution images of another planet's dirt and sand in its continued quest for signs of life in the planet's polar region. The microscopic particles were kicked up when the lander touched down and collected on a slide, Reuters reports. Scientists note that a whitish material in one image probably is not ice but some kind of mineral.

"We have images showing the diversity of mineralogy on Mars at a scale that is unprecedented in planetary exploration," said a NASA spokesman.

An artist's rendering of the Phoenix lander on the arctic plains of Mars. (AP Photo/NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Corby Waste)

An area where the Mars Phoenix Lander's Robotic Arm took a scoop full of soil. The craft has also taken high resolution images of particles recovered on landing. (AP Photo)

Material from the Martian surface recovered in the Phoenix Mars Lander's Robotic Arm scoop. (AP Photo)

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Mars Through a Microscope

Phoenix takes unprecedented Mars shots

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Phoenix Samples Martian Dirt

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Sticky Soil Foils Mars Work

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Phoenix takes unprecedented Mars shots

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

NASA • Mars • Phoenix Mars Lander • robotic arm • ice • salt • Jet Propulsion Laboratory • mineral

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Phoenix Samples Martian Dirt

Robotic arm tested prior to search for life

On Mars, 'Something That Looks Like Ice'

Phoenix probe sends home photos from arctic region

Sticky Soil Foils Mars Work

Dirt is sticking to lander's arm, so NASA revising its methods

'You Might Be Able to Grow Asparagus' on Mars

'Flabbergasted' scientists see soil able to support life on red planet

Computer Woes Slow Mars Craft

Soil photos lost in transmission 'not really critical,' but lander's mission delayed

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Newser By Users

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