Mars Perseverance Sol 488– Right Mastcam-Z Camera: Sand ripples imaged with Mastcam-Z on sol 488. These ripples will be reimaged for change detection while the rover is parked here at Skinner Ridge rock. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU
NASAs Mars Perseverance Rover is presently stopped for sampling at Skinner Ridge rock. An essential element of Perseverances objective is tasting activities, and therefore the rovers strategic course is established around tasting stops.
Testing stops provide unusual chances to carry out “change detection” experiments, which are used to keep an eye on aeolian– or wind-driven– transport of sand. Sand deposits and aeolian bedforms (such as the sand ripples seen in the accompanying Mastcam-Z image at the top of this post) are ideal targets for modification detection.
Theories developed before robotic exploration anticipated that contemporary Martian winds would hardly ever, if ever, be capable of transferring sand. Paradoxically, change detection images gotten from orbiting electronic cameras have actually revealed the active migration of sand dunes across the planet.
Sampling stops provide unusual opportunities to carry out “modification detection” experiments, which are utilized to keep track of aeolian– or wind-driven– transportation of sand. The fundamental idea behind modification detection is uncomplicated: to search for wind-induced movement of sand, compare similar images of the surface area gotten at various times. Sand deposits and aeolian bedforms (such as the sand ripples seen in the accompanying Mastcam-Z image at the top of this short article) are ideal targets for modification detection.
Paradoxically, change detection images obtained from orbiting electronic cameras have actually exposed the active migration of sand dunes throughout the world.
By NASA
July 14, 2022
Developing designs that can effectively discuss and forecast aeolian activity on Mars is crucial for interpreting the planets geologic and climatic history. Its also necessary for alleviating threats to landed spacecraft and future human explorers. Surface objectives allow scientists to study continuous aeolian activity in higher detail and with greater spatiotemporal resolution than can be attained from orbit, which is essential for reconciling the discrepancy in between theory and observation. Sand movement has actually been observed and studied in situ at spacecraft landing websites, consisting of Gale crater and Jezero crater. Images acquired throughout Perseverances continuous activities at Skinner Ridge rock and at future tasting stops will be used to further define the aeolian environment in Jezero and will provide new insight into enigmatic Martian winds.
Written by Mariah Baker, Planetary Scientist at Smithsonian National Air & & Space Museum
