Curiosity Rover “Selfie”
Mars Science Laboratory Rover team have
pointed out that it is very hard to find organic molecules on the Martian surface
because the high levels of radiation of Galactic cosmic rays and solar
eruptions have deteriorated all the carbon-based chemistry we know of on Mars.
However, they have found a method to
find specific places for the rover to drill to look for organics. By measuring the
surface’s radioactive decay, the team has discovered the ages of specific
surfaces such as the Yellowknife Bay, which has been exposed for about 80
million years.
The method mainly consists on finding potential
cliffs or spots where there has been less chemistry-damaging radiation
exposure.
By: Chem1046 Honors Project; Chemistry
Group: Dahianna Ladino and Julia Cardenas
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