Spirit Data Reanalysis Finds Water-Borne Hematite at 32 Mars Sites
Updated
Updated · IEEE Spectrum · Aug 10
Spirit Data Reanalysis Finds Water-Borne Hematite at 32 Mars Sites
2 articles · Updated · IEEE Spectrum · Aug 10
Summary
Years of Spirit rover measurements, reanalyzed by Paulo de Souza, show crystalline hematite in ordinary soil at 32 undisturbed Gusev Crater sites—evidence Mars once held far more water than expected.
Individual readings were too weak to prove water on their own, but combining them exposed a hidden pattern of hematite and altered magnetite, minerals formed through water-rock interaction.
The study produced the most detailed iron-mineral profile yet for Martian soil and suggests a dust layer carrying water-related minerals extends across huge areas of Mars.
De Souza said the layer likely built up over millions of years through wind erosion, temperature swings and global dust storms; his paper was published on June 26 in Interactions.
The approach will next be applied to Opportunity rover data from Meridiani Planum and strengthens the case for future Mars missions to carry spectrometers for longer-term soil studies.