Aussies plan for Mars weather forecasts
Seeing Mars in a
different light
A team of Australian astronomers
are developing a way of
forecasting the weather on Mars – without putting their toes in space and
have created beautiful images of our neighbouring planet.
Their discoveries will help us determine if Mars was a
kinder place for life in the past.
And by forecasting the Martian weather they hope to be able
to reduce the risks to spacecraft, such as the recent failed Beagle mission and
possible future manned missions to Mars.
Sarah Chamberlain of the Australian Centre for
Astrobiology and Dr Jeremy Bailey of the Anglo-Australian Observatory and the
associate director of the ACA, observed Mars during its close approach to Earth
in August 2003. They used the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) on the
summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii.
By using near infra-red light they hoped to be able to map
the distribution of elements in the atmosphere and on the surface of Mars.
“Along the way we obtained the clearest images of Mars ever taken from Earth.”
The technique we used
will help resolve the controversy as to whether water ever flowed across the
surface of Mars. “We will be able to detect where rocks and minerals have been
chemically altered by water flow.”
The most exciting application is a new technique to allow
us to predict the weather on Mars.
The atmosphere on Mars
is primarily carbon dioxide. By mapping the variations in carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere and comparing this with topographical maps of Mars we can detect and
monitor the movement of pressure systems (what we know as weather) in the
Martian atmosphere.
Predicting the weather on Mars will reduce to risk to
landing spacecraft “If we knew the weather systems on Mars, losses such as the
recent Beagle 2 lander might be prevented”
“Our work shows that ground-based observations can still
produce relevant and cutting-edge science without the cost and risk of launching
a spacecraft. “Ground-based observations need not be relegated to the back bench
when it comes to planetary exploration of our near-by neighbours,” says Sarah.
Photos available online.
Images:
| 
