According to a new paper, Zhurong‘s ground-penetrating radar instrument’s data show evidence of craters buried just below Mars’ surface as well as other sloping features with less certain origins.The shallow subsurface structure of Earth’s moon, also revealed by ground-penetrating radars, stands starkly in contrast to this view of the Martian surface, which reveals several distinct features.
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Fine layers that have been ground up by a bombardment of micrometeorite strikes cover the top 33 feet (10 meters) of the moon. The difference could be explained by Mars’ thin atmosphere, which protects the planet from micrometeorites and causes surface weathering. The study’s lead author, Yi Xu, stated in a statement (opens in new tab): “We found a lot of dunes on the surface at the landing site, so maybe this crater was quickly buried by the sand and then this cover reduced space weathering, so we can see the full shape of these craters’ walls.”Together with the Tianwen 1 mission orbiter, Zhurong took off in July 2020 and landed in the vast Utopia Planitia plain in May 2021.
Overview of Mars Surface Features
Over the next Earth year, the rover traveled 6,302 feet (1,921 meters) south of its landing site.The area is thought to have shorelines of an ancient ocean, which is why engineering and science criteria were used to choose the landing site. Zhurong’s ground-penetrating radar, which collects the reflections of subsurface rocks and pings electromagnetic signals off of them, had one goal: finding evidence of water or ice trapped below the surface. It employs two distinct frequency ranges, with the frequency used for this investigation providing only 15 feet (4.5 meters) of fine detail. This study did not find any water, but the other radar frequency goes down to about 260 feet (80 meters).
By opening this window into Mars’ subsurface, scientists hope to learn more about the planet’s geological history, learn more about its climate in the past, and possibly find evidence of water or ice. Additionally, NASA’s Perseverance carries a ground-penetrating radar instrument that provides new insights into its surroundings, the Jezero Crater floor.By Andrew Jones, published 28 February 2023, New glimpses into the Martian subsurface reveal buried craters and other features.
Challenges and Accomplishments of the Mission
China’s Zhurong rover reveals complex layers beneath the surface of Mars.One of the few glimpses into what lies beneath the surface of Mars has been provided by the Zhurong rover from China.According to a new paper, Zhurong’s ground-penetrating radar instrument’s data show evidence of craters buried just below Mars’ surface as well as other sloping features with less certain origins.The shallow subsurface structure of Earth’s moon, also revealed by ground-penetrating radars, stands starkly in contrast to this view of the Martian surface, which reveals several distinct features.
Fine layers that have been ground up by a bombardment of micrometeorite strikes cover the top 33 feet (10 meters) of the moon.The difference could be explained by Mars’ thin atmosphere, which protects the planet from micrometeorites and causes surface weathering.The study’s lead author, Yi Xu, stated in a statement, “We found a lot of dunes on the surface at the landing site, so maybe this crater was quickly buried by the sand and then this cover reduced space weathering, so we can see the full shape of these craters’ walls.
“Together with the Tianwen 1 mission orbiter, Zhurong took off in July 2020 and landed in the vast Utopia Planitia plain in May 2021. Over the next Earth year, the rover traveled 6,302 feet (1,921 meters) south of its landing site.
The area is thought to have shorelines of an ancient ocean, which is why engineering and science criteria were used to choose the landing site. Zhurong’s ground-penetrating radar, which collects the reflections of subsurface rocks and pings electromagnetic signals off of them, had one goal: finding evidence of water or ice trapped below the surface.It employs two distinct frequency ranges, with the frequency used for this investigation providing only 15 feet (4.5 meters) of fine detail.
This study did not find any water, but the other radar frequency goes down to about 260 feet (80 meters).images, maps, and radar images of the Zhurong Mars rover’s traversal of sloping reflectors.By opening this window into Mars’ subsurface, scientists hope to learn more about the planet’s geological history, learn more about its climate in the past, and possibly find evidence of water or ice.
Additionally, NASA’s Perseverance carries a ground-penetrating radar instrument that provides new insights into its surroundings, the Jezero Crater floor.The research paper was published in the Geological Society of America journal on February 9th.The Zhurong rover’s fate, on the other hand, is currently unknown.
The approaching winter in the northern hemisphere of Mars prompted the solar-powered rover to enter hibernation in May 2022. Although Chinese space authorities have not commented on the rover’s apparent silence, it was anticipated that it would resume autonomous activities in December.Zhurong was recently imaged from orbit by NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, indicating that the rover has not moved since entering hibernation. In Utopia Planitia, as heat and light conditions improve, the rover may awaken.
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