Massive ice cap at Martian south pole

[FlaSoxxJim]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/space/03/16/m...reut/index.html

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- A spacecraft orbiting Mars has scanned huge deposits of water ice at its south pole so plentiful they would blanket the planet in 36 feet of water if they were liquid, scientists said Thursday.

 

The scientists used a joint NASA-Italian Space Agency radar instrument on the European Space Agency Mars Express spacecraft to gauge the thickness and volume of ice deposits at the Martian south pole covering an area larger than Texas.

 

The deposits, up to 2.3 miles thick, are under a polar cap of white frozen carbon dioxide and water, and appear to be composed of at least 90 percent frozen water, with dust mixed in, according to findings published in the journal Science.

 

Scientists have known that water exists in frozen form at the Martian poles, but this research produced the most accurate measurements of just how much there is.

 

They are eager to learn about the history of water on Mars because water is fundamental to the question of whether the planet has ever harbored microbial or some other life. Liquid water is a necessity for life as we know it.

 

Characteristics like channels on the Martian surface strongly suggest the planet once was very wet, a contrast to its present arid, dusty condition.

 

Now, if only we can locate that machine with the handprint switch that Schwarzzeneger used to give the planet an instant atmosperee we'd really be in business.

 

Cool stuff. Crazy how much we still don't know about even our nearest neighbor in the solar system.

Edited March 16, 2007 by FlaSoxxJim

[BobDylan]

What, Mars? I can tell you everything there is to know...

[DrunkBomber]

I could keep my cocktails cold forever. We really need to get this thing over here.