[mikrofon]

[From a BBC report of 1/16/04:]

'Magic' surface

The "cakey" surface of Mars at Spirit's landing site has intrigued scientists ever since they saw the first images showing how the rover's landing bags had pleated the surface as they dragged over it.

It has become known as the "magic carpet" of Mars.

"There is probably some cohesive component keeping the soil particles together," said Bob Sullivan, a member of the science team. Researchers want to know if the adhesion is the result of electrostatic forces or some other process.

One tantalising theory is that the carpet may contain sticky salts created when water evaporated through the upper layer of soil.

"The other instruments on the arm will test these hypotheses," said Sullivan.

[bulldogs]

"There is probably some cohesive component keeping the soil particles together,"


Intresting. Thanks for the info.