Probing Martian Sand with Radar
NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) recently executed daring 120° rolls to enhance its SHARAD radar capabilities. This innovation strengthened echo signals by tenfold, enabling scientists to peer over a mile below the surface of Mars—revealing hidden ice and sedimentary structures 0.
High‑Tech Maneuver & SHARAD Breakthrough
The SHAllow RADar (SHARAD) instrument performs subsurface sounding in the 15–25 MHz range. By tilting the spacecraft’s antenna dramatically, engineers boosted signal penetration. As a result, terrain once considered featureless now reveals layers rich with water ice and geologic clues—key to understanding Mars’ climatic and hydrologic history 1.
Martian “Morse‑Code” Dunes at the North Pole
On the north polar Hagal dune field, MRO’s HiRISE camera captured linear and rounded formations nicknamed “Morse‑Code” dunes due to their dot‑and‑dash appearance 2. These features ebb and flow with Martian seasons, highlighting frost cycles of CO₂ and water ice.
Seasonal Gullies & Dry‑Ice Activity
In regions like Russell Crater and the Eridania quadrangle, NASA researchers identified gullies carved into dunes during winter. These channels form when dry ice sublimates in spring, destabilizing sand and carving narrow pits and trails 3.
Ice Beyond the Poles
The newly enhanced SHARAD reveals subsurface ice not only at the poles but also in mid‑latitude regions—providing fresh data on possible water reservoirs buried under layers of soil and dust. This has implications for both climate studies and future human exploration 4.
Timeline of Discoveries
- Early 2025: MRO team performs 120° rolls to amplify SHARAD signals.
- Recent months: HiRISE captures Hagal dune field’s seasonal shifts.
- Ongoing: Gullies observed forming in springtime via dry-ice sublimation.
Key Figures & Tech
- MRO Orbiter: Launched 2005, this veteran spacecraft continues to deliver cutting‑edge science.
- SHARAD Radar: Six-fold penetration boost after roll maneuver.
- HiRISE Camera: Captures high-resolution dune imagery twice per Mars year.
Trivia & Quiz Zones
- “Morse‑Code” Dunes: Named for their dot‑and‑dash patterns near the north pole.
- Radar Boost: 120° roll increased SHARAD echo strength by ~10×.
- Subsurface Reach: SHARAD now probes layers deeper than 1 mile (1.6 km).
- Dry‑Ice Gullies: Gullies on dunes caused by spring CO₂ sublimation.
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Final Word
By deftly flipping an aging orbiter and harnessing seasonal phenomena, NASA scientists continue to unlock Mars’ secrets—from hidden ice reserves to enigmatic dune patterns—advancing our understanding of the red planet’s past and preparing for future missions.
Source: The Week