NASA has spotted sudden changes in Oxygen on Mars. The data came from NASA’s Curiosity rover shows that Mars is more porous than expected. NASA scientists used non-science engineering data to study the surface of Mars. They are also calculating the density of rocks in the 96 miles wide Gale crater. This unexpected discovery will lead to more research on the planet, as curiosity rover will continue to gather data. Moreover, Scientists will explore this discovery on Mars in a new way of study. NASA is collecting data from the sensors onboard Curiosity rover.
The Curiosity rover has accelerometer and gyroscopic sensors to sense and transfer the data. These sensors measure orientation and movement of atmospheric changes. The latest data from these sensors show unusual fluctuations in the oxygen of Mars. Michigan university professor Sushil Atreya said, “The first time we observed this, it was just mind-boggling.” This discovery has opened more reasons to continue further study on the red planet Mars. The survey of the Mars atmosphere is going on for three Martian years. Scientists found the changes in nitrogen and argon predictably. Martian air almost has 95% of carbon dioxide. The proportion of gas changes with a change in carbon dioxide in the air.
Scientists expected similar changes in the oxygen level on Mars. However, they were shocked to see the increased oxygen level during the spring and summer. This only proves that both the production and removal of oxygen is happening in the atmosphere. This change in Martian methane and oxygen is more than a coincidence. The cause behind the difference in the air on Mars could be the same for both gases. Scientists are now curious to study more on Martian air. They will keep measuring the atmosphere. This could be lead scientists closer to more Martian facts.
