Seeing Mars With X-Ray Vision

Thanks to the Mars Express spacecraft, we are getting a whole different view of Mars which is revealing ancient secrets hidden beneath the red surface.

(Mars Daily) Scientists are finding an older, craggier face of Mars buried beneath the surface, thanks to pioneering sounding radar co-sponsored by NASA aboard the European Space Agency’s Mars Express spacecraft. [...]

The technique uses echoes of waves that have penetrated below the surface.

“It’s almost like having X-ray vision,” said Dr. Thomas R. Watters of the National Air and Space Museum’s Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, Washington. “Besides finding previously unknown impact basins, we’ve also confirmed that some of the subtle topographic depressions mapped previously in the lowlands are related to impact features.”

Although geologists will be excited about using the satellite to discover old Mars, hopefully scientists will use it to discover whether or not underground water tunnels exist on the red planet.

It could also prove quite useful in locating any valuable resources that may stimulate businesses to invest in a future quest towards Mars (after the moon of course).

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