Scientists Hail Ice Find on Mars

Now the trick is for Phoenix Lander to collect it

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Jun 20, 2008 4:49 AM CDT

(Newser) – White material on Mars that was puzzling NASA scientists has turned out to be ice, Wired reports. "Are you ready to celebrate? We have ICE! Best day ever!" gushed a team scientist. The discovery of evidence of water—essential for terrestrial life—is exactly what scientists were hoping to find on Mars.

Experts were initially unsure whether the material uncovered by the lander was salt or ice. But the material has begun to disappear, an indication that it's turning into gas—a sure sign of ice. The next trick will be for the Phoenix Lander to collect the material.

This photo provided by NASA shows the area where the Robotic Arm took a second scoop full of soil and revealed a whitish material at the bottom of the dig area. (AP Photo)

Peter Smith, principal Investigator for the University of Arizona, raises his hand as he guarantees to project manager Barry Goldstein that there is ice below the surface of Mars last month. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

This image provided by NASA and taken by Robotic Arm Camera aboard NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander shows what is believed to be exposed ice under the lander on Saturday May 31, 2008. (AP Photo/NASA)

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Scientists Hail Ice Find on Mars

Now the trick is for Phoenix Lander to collect it

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Mars Lander Falls Silent

Phoenix lacks the solar power to continue its mission

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Phoenix lander can't tell whether wet stuff is reaching ground

Mission Accomplished on Mars

Time is up, but Phoenix keeps digging

NASA Briefs White House on Possible Martian Life

Red planet could support greenery, reports show

Sticky Soil Foils Mars Work

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Scientists Hail Ice Find on Mars

Now the trick is for Phoenix Lander to collect it

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

NASA • Mars • Phoenix Mars Lander • scientific discoveries

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Mars Lander Falls Silent

Phoenix lacks the solar power to continue its mission

It's Snowing on Mars

Phoenix lander can't tell whether wet stuff is reaching ground

Mission Accomplished on Mars

Time is up, but Phoenix keeps digging

NASA Briefs White House on Possible Martian Life

Red planet could support greenery, reports show

Sticky Soil Foils Mars Work

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

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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More News

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