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To: Paradox
GPR is wonderful but has limitations. I'm surprised they don't have some kind of metal detector onboard...or do they?
165 posted on 03/02/2004 11:46:59 AM PST by Sacajaweau (God Bless Our Troops!!)
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To: Sacajaweau
Hoffa, they found Jimmy Hoffa... Good for them...
166 posted on 03/02/2004 11:48:34 AM PST by Taylor42
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To: Sacajaweau
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/spacecraft_instru_magarray.html

Magnet Arrays

Mars is a dusty place and some of that dust is highly magnetic. Magnetic minerals carried in dust grains may be freeze-dried remnants of the planet´s watery past. A periodic examination of these particles and their patterns of accumulation on magnets of varying strength can reveal clues about their mineralogy and the planet´s geologic history.

Each rover has three sets of magnetic targets that will collect airborne dust for analysis by the science instruments. One set of magnets will be carried by the Rock Abrasion Tool. As it grinds into Martian rocks, scientists will have the opportunity to study the properties of dust from these outer rock surfaces.

A second set of two magnets is mounted on the front of the rover at an angle so that non-magnetic particles will tend to fall off. These magnets will be reachable for analysis by the Mössbauer and APXS instruments. A third magnet is mounted on the top of the rover deck in view of the Pancam. This magnet is strong enough to deflect the paths of wind-carried, magnetic dust.

167 posted on 03/02/2004 11:49:39 AM PST by John H K
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