Close-up of Martian Moon Phobos

[caption id="attachment_30073" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Image: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin (G. Neukum)"][/caption]

The Mars Express recently made some historically close passes to Mars' moon, Phobos, and managed to snap some detailed close-up shots. These are the closest views of the rock we've seen... or is it a rock?
The Mars Express flybys, which happen every five months, may also determine if Phobos is a fragile pile of rocky fragments stuck together — what planetary scientists refer to as a rubble pile — or solid through and through.

Some of the new images taken March 7 during one of several recent close flybys of the moon home in on the proposed landing site for a Russian mission, Phobos-Grunt (meaning Phobos soil), that is expected to touch down on the moon next year.

Link

Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

Seriously, though, I do hope that it is a rubble pile; Were that the case, future explorers are more likely to have an orbital source of water ice for Mars colonization.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Email This Post to a Friend
"Close-up of Martian Moon Phobos"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More