[Alas Babylon!]

I don't think iron oxide is magnetic.

Actually, Frank, it is. AKA Ferric Oxide, it's the stuff that coats magnetic tape and disk surfaces that allows us to write bits on them in order to do what we're all doing now....FReeping!

[asb3pe]

I don't think iron oxide is magnetic.

Actually, Frank, it is. AKA Ferric Oxide, it's the stuff that coats magnetic tape and disk surfaces that allows us to write bits on them in order to do what we're all doing now....

Hmmm. But isn't "iron oxide" your basic RUST? Isn't rust non-magnetic?

Found some answers here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferric_oxide

Interesting stuff. Fe(2)O(3)... Three oxygen atoms in every molecule. If that's what's on Mars, then the most pressing matter for us humans is to find a way to release that oxygen in an efficient, economic manner!

Also, clicking on "Rust" in that link is interesting - if all that martian surface material *is* in fact "rust, or ferric oxide or similar, that page states that such a chemical reaction can only take place in the presence of water and oxygen... Life on Mars in the past, anyone? :-)

[Frank_Discussion]

*slaps forehead*

Oy! You're right! Boy, I need to bone up on my chemistry. Thanks for setting me straight.