Mars lander discovers white stuff [with images; slab of ice?]

CNet ^ | June 17, 2008 9:43 AM PDT | Caption text by Andy Smith

[Mike Fieschko]

The robotic shovel aboard the Phoenix Mars Lander has dug into some white material just below the surface of the Red Planet. NASA scientists aren't exactly sure what it is--their best guess right now is that it's ice.

Meanwhile, the first Martian soil samples are heating up in one of eight tiny ovens aboard the Phoenix. The Phoenix will "sniff" the gases released to identify them.

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona/Texas A&M University

Here's a closer look at the white material in the trench now called "Dodo-Goldilocks" that was uncovered by the robotic arm aboard the Phoenix. The white material was first noticed on June 3 but more has been exposed as the robotic arm has dug deeper. Since the white material is only on one end of the trench, NASA scientists theorize that they could have hit the edge of a slab of ice.

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona/Texas A&M University

[Mike Fieschko]

There's a color-coded elevation image of these trenches. It looks as if the white stuff is <3 inches below the Martian surface.

[null and void]

COCAINE!

Maybe NASA can be self-funding from now on?

[Slapshot68]

It’s a sign that says, “You’re getting warmer.”

[Para-Ord.45]

Salt

[Liberal Bob]

Why are we excavating in this beautiful serene environment?

[Billthedrill]

PVC pipe. Dang it, never start your backhoe without consulting the local water department. Some people...

[LibertyRocks]

I am by no means qualified to give a “professional” opinion on what the white stuff is, but at first glance, it looked like metal to me.

[GSWarrior]

Mars lander discovers white stuff

I hate it when they use technical jargon.

[reagan_fanatic]

Marion Barry’s on his way there now with a straw.

[onedoug]

Careful....

[willgolfforfood]

I believe on Mars, especially at the northern elevation where this lander is, that what we can see is frozen carbon dioxide, not frozen water.

Educated guess. But I've never sent a lander to Mars personally, and I might be wrong.

[neodad]

Did NASA file an environmental impact study for their excavation?

[JRios1968]

[flying_bullet]

I watched the Phoenix team press conference last night, and they were using the term “shiny substance”.

But yes, it’s either salt or ice. The scientists aren’t positive yet what it is so they aren’t being dogmatic about it.

I’m leaning towards ice because of the temperatures on the planet’s surface.

[sofaman]

ROFL! Now that’s funny!

[blam]

[The Louiswu]

I bet it’s ice and under that will be a layer of tonic and under that will be a layer of gin...I’m betting Mars is just one big cocktail!

[Mike Fieschko]

JPL's multimedia page has a Quicktime animation (72+ meg) of 'Dodo' and 'Goldilocks' trenches.

The same page has audio podcasts (mp3s) on Phoenix and other missions.

[OB1kNOb]

I hope NASA called 811 before they started digging.

[djf]

Initial results that came back from the first samples seemed to indicate no water - zero. Zip.

Don’t quote me because I’d have to start digging and I’m pretty busy at this moment...