Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Rover Accidentally Uncovers Mars Hydrothermal Vent

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the best-discoveries-by-accident dept.

The rover Spirit has been dragging one wheel around the surface of Mars for some time. One of the resulting gouges revealed a mineral deposit which was probably caused by a hydrothermal vent. This implies a large amount of water was present when the vent was active.

2 of 53 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Kudos! by captn+ecks · · Score: 4, Informative

    No, that was a mistake by over zealous accountants - NASA Administrator Michael Griffin quickly corrected that and promised continued full funding for both rovers as long as they continue to operate.

  2. Re:That would be a mistake by mollymoo · · Score: 4, Informative

    The biggest item that will come from the polar express will simply be the landing under power.

    They landed the Vikings that way over 30 years ago, it's hardly new.

    --
    Chernobyl 'not a wildlife haven' - BBC News