NASA’s InSight Lander Detects Massive Earthquake On Mars
Last December when the lander detected a powerful earthquake on Mars. Now scientists know what was the cause of it. The meteoroid crashed into Mars at a distance of 2,174 miles (3,500 kilometers) from the lander and created a new impact crater on the surface of Mars.
As a result of large two impacts, ice blocks the size of a boulder were formed. This find will help researchers find ways in which future astronauts can use the natural resources of Mars.
The Insight research vehicle measured the seismic shocks, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter provided images of the resulting craters.
“Seismic data from two collisions point to denser Martian crust. We still have a long way to go in understanding the internal structure and dynamics of Mars, which remain largely enigmatic,” said Doen Kim from the Institute of Geophysics in Switzerland, who took part in the study.
Scientists say future landers from Europe and China will be equipped with even more advanced seismometers, giving a clearer picture of how Mars has evolved.
NASA also said that the Insight lander is ending its mission due to reduced power levels and will likely run out of power within the next six weeks.
