Introduction
NASA’s InSight Mars Lander is a robotic mission to Mars that is aimed at studying the deep interior of the planet. Since its launch in May 2018, the spacecraft has been working tirelessly to explore Mars and make a series of groundbreaking discoveries. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ten most amazing discoveries made by the InSight Mars Lander.
The Top 10 Discoveries Made by InSight Mars Lander
1. Marsquakes
One of the most significant discoveries made by the InSight Mars Lander is that Mars experiences seismic activity, just like Earth. Scientists detected more than a thousand marsquakes over the course of the first year of the mission, which revealed new insights into the internal structure and composition of the planet.
2. The Martian Core
InSight also discovered that Mars has a liquid metal core, just like Earth. By studying how seismic waves travel through the planet, scientists were able to determine that the core is about 2,000 kilometers in diameter, which is larger than previously thought.
3. Magnetic Fields
In another major discovery, InSight measured magnetic fields on Mars, providing new insights into the planet’s geology and the history of its evolution. These measurements helped scientists uncover the role that these magnetic fields played in shaping Mars’ past and present.
4. Weather Patterns
Thanks to InSight, scientists now have a better understanding of the weather patterns on Mars. The lander’s sensors collected data on temperature, wind speed, and air pressure, revealing how the planet’s weather changes over time.
5. Dust Devils
Dust devils are rapidly rotating columns of air that form on the surface of Mars, and InSight was able to capture images of these phenomena in action. By studying these dust devils, scientists gained new insights into the planet’s atmosphere and how it affects the weather on Mars.
6. Mars’ Orbit
InSight also made important contributions to our understanding of Mars’ orbit. By tracking the changes in the planet’s position and speed, scientists were able to measure the thickness and composition of the Martian crust, providing new insights into the planet’s history.
7. The Martian Moons
InSight was also able to provide new insights into the two moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos. By studying the gravity fields around these moons, scientists were able to determine their composition and origin, shedding new light on the history of the entire Mars system.
8. Water Ice
InSight also discovered a large deposit of water ice just below the surface of Mars. This was a major discovery, as water is a key ingredient for life and could open up new possibilities for future exploration and colonization of the planet.
9. Seismic Activity on Asteroids
In addition to studying Mars, InSight also made the first-ever detection of seismic activity on an asteroid. By studying the seismic waves produced by an impact on the asteroid, scientists gained new insights into the structure and composition of these fascinating objects.
10. Collaboration with Other Missions
Finally, InSight has also contributed to enhancing collaboration among different Mars missions. By sharing data with other spacecraft, such as the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission, scientists were able to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the red planet.
Conclusion
The InSight Mars Lander has made a series of groundbreaking discoveries since its launch in 2018. These discoveries have provided new insights into the internal structure and composition of Mars, as well as its geological, meteorological, and astrobiological properties. As the mission continues, it is sure to uncover even more fascinating discoveries that will help us better understand our neighbor planet.
