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Curiosity Mars rover drills into base of Mount Sharp
BBC ^
| 25 September 2014 Last updated at 14:36 ET
| Jonathan Amos
Posted on 09/25/2014 5:19:17 PM PDT by BenLurkin
The robot used its power tool to grind out a sample from a pale, flat slab at a location dubbed "Pahrump Hills".
Curiosity has previously drilled into three rocks to collect powdered tailings for analysis in its sophisticated onboard laboratories.
This latest acquisition should give scientists a taster for the type of sediments that lie ahead.
The Nasa rover is driving into the nearby foothills of Mount Sharp, a 5km peak at the centre of Mars' Gale Crater.
Researchers hope the chemistry of the rocks at the base of this mountain will reveal new details about the environmental history of Mars.
Already, the one-tonne robot has established that a lake and rivers were present on the floor of Gale billions of years ago.
Scientists say conditions during those ancient times could have supported micro-organisms - had they been present.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
TOPICS: Science
KEYWORDS:
1
posted on
09/25/2014 5:19:17 PM PDT
by
BenLurkin
The robot used its power tool to grind out a sample from a pale, flat slab at a location dubbed "Pahrump Hills".
2
posted on
09/25/2014 5:29:09 PM PDT
by
deoetdoctrinae
(Gun-free zones are playgrounds for felons.)
To: BenLurkin
Pahrump Hills?
Was that a ode to Art Bell?
3
posted on
09/25/2014 5:41:57 PM PDT
by
GeronL
(Vote for Conservatives not for Republicans)
To: deoetdoctrinae
4
posted on
09/25/2014 5:42:05 PM PDT
by
BenLurkin
(This is not a statement of fact. It is either opinion or satire; or both.)
To: GeronL
My first thought as well.
5
posted on
09/25/2014 5:42:26 PM PDT
by
BenLurkin
(This is not a statement of fact. It is either opinion or satire; or both.)
To: GeronL
I would think so. Too bad he’s not on the air still. I bet he would be very honored, and modest.
And then introduce that Hoaglund guy!
6
posted on
09/25/2014 5:49:09 PM PDT
by
21twelve
(http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2185147/posts 2013 is 1933 REBORN)
To: BenLurkin
"Curiosity Mars rover drills into base of Mount Sharp"
And as usual, the anti-fracking protestors showed up.
7
posted on
09/25/2014 5:50:27 PM PDT
by
UCANSEE2
(Lost my tagline on Flight MH370. Sorry for the inconvenience.)
To: BenLurkin
8
posted on
09/25/2014 6:54:54 PM PDT
by
Diana in Wisconsin
(I don't have 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set...)
To: UCANSEE2
9
posted on
09/25/2014 6:55:13 PM PDT
by
Diana in Wisconsin
(I don't have 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set...)
To: BenLurkin
Be funny if it struck oil.
10
posted on
09/25/2014 7:59:22 PM PDT
by
Flick Lives
("I can't believe it's not Fascism!")
To: UCANSEE2
11
posted on
09/26/2014 7:40:23 AM PDT
by
zeugma
(The act of observing disturbs the observed.)
To: Flick Lives
12
posted on
09/26/2014 7:40:56 AM PDT
by
zeugma
(The act of observing disturbs the observed.)
To: BenLurkin
Aren’t you glad you posted this ?
13
posted on
09/26/2014 8:19:40 AM PDT
by
mosesdapoet
(Serious contribution pause.Please continue onto meaningless venting no one reads.)
To: mosesdapoet
14
posted on
09/26/2014 10:47:24 AM PDT
by
BenLurkin
(This is not a Yup.statement of fact. It is either opinion or satire; or both.)
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