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Rolling Ironstones from Earth and Mars: Terrestrial Hydrothermal Ooids as a Potential Analogue of Martian Spherules. MINERALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/min11050460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
High-resolution images of Mars from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) rovers revealed mm-size loose haematite spherulitic deposits (nicknamed “blueberries”) similar to terrestrial iron-ooids, for which both abiotic and biotic genetic hypotheses have been proposed. Understanding the formation mechanism of these haematite spherules can thus improve our knowledge on the possible geologic evolution and links to life development on Mars. Here, we show that shape, size, fabric and mineralogical composition of the Martian spherules share similarities with corresponding iron spherules currently forming on the Earth over an active submarine hydrothermal system located off Panarea Island (Aeolian Islands, Mediterranean Sea). Hydrothermal fluids associated with volcanic activity enable these terrestrial spheroidal grains to form and grow. The recent exceptional discovery of a still working iron-ooid source on the Earth provides indications that past hydrothermal activity on the Red Planet is a possible scenario to be considered as the cause of formation of these enigmatic iron grains.
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Bell JF, Maki JN, Mehall GL, Ravine MA, Caplinger MA, Bailey ZJ, Brylow S, Schaffner JA, Kinch KM, Madsen MB, Winhold A, Hayes AG, Corlies P, Tate C, Barrington M, Cisneros E, Jensen E, Paris K, Crawford K, Rojas C, Mehall L, Joseph J, Proton JB, Cluff N, Deen RG, Betts B, Cloutis E, Coates AJ, Colaprete A, Edgett KS, Ehlmann BL, Fagents S, Grotzinger JP, Hardgrove C, Herkenhoff KE, Horgan B, Jaumann R, Johnson JR, Lemmon M, Paar G, Caballo-Perucha M, Gupta S, Traxler C, Preusker F, Rice MS, Robinson MS, Schmitz N, Sullivan R, Wolff MJ. The Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Mast Camera Zoom (Mastcam-Z) Multispectral, Stereoscopic Imaging Investigation. SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS 2021; 217:24. [PMID: 33612866 PMCID: PMC7883548 DOI: 10.1007/s11214-020-00755-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Mastcam-Z is a multispectral, stereoscopic imaging investigation on the Mars 2020 mission's Perseverance rover. Mastcam-Z consists of a pair of focusable, 4:1 zoomable cameras that provide broadband red/green/blue and narrowband 400-1000 nm color imaging with fields of view from 25.6° × 19.2° (26 mm focal length at 283 μrad/pixel) to 6.2° × 4.6° (110 mm focal length at 67.4 μrad/pixel). The cameras can resolve (≥ 5 pixels) ∼0.7 mm features at 2 m and ∼3.3 cm features at 100 m distance. Mastcam-Z shares significant heritage with the Mastcam instruments on the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover. Each Mastcam-Z camera consists of zoom, focus, and filter wheel mechanisms and a 1648 × 1214 pixel charge-coupled device detector and electronics. The two Mastcam-Z cameras are mounted with a 24.4 cm stereo baseline and 2.3° total toe-in on a camera plate ∼2 m above the surface on the rover's Remote Sensing Mast, which provides azimuth and elevation actuation. A separate digital electronics assembly inside the rover provides power, data processing and storage, and the interface to the rover computer. Primary and secondary Mastcam-Z calibration targets mounted on the rover top deck enable tactical reflectance calibration. Mastcam-Z multispectral, stereo, and panoramic images will be used to provide detailed morphology, topography, and geologic context along the rover's traverse; constrain mineralogic, photometric, and physical properties of surface materials; monitor and characterize atmospheric and astronomical phenomena; and document the rover's sample extraction and caching locations. Mastcam-Z images will also provide key engineering information to support sample selection and other rover driving and tool/instrument operations decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - M. A. Ravine
- Malin Space Science Systems, Inc., San Diego, CA USA
| | | | | | - S. Brylow
- Malin Space Science Systems, Inc., San Diego, CA USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - C. Tate
- Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY USA
| | | | | | - E. Jensen
- Malin Space Science Systems, Inc., San Diego, CA USA
| | - K. Paris
- Arizona State Univ., Tempe, AZ USA
| | | | - C. Rojas
- Arizona State Univ., Tempe, AZ USA
| | | | | | | | - N. Cluff
- Arizona State Univ., Tempe, AZ USA
| | | | - B. Betts
- The Planetary Society, Pasadena, CA USA
| | | | - A. J. Coates
- Mullard Space Science Laboratory, Univ. College, London, UK
| | - A. Colaprete
- NASA/Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA USA
| | - K. S. Edgett
- Malin Space Science Systems, Inc., San Diego, CA USA
| | - B. L. Ehlmann
- JPL/Caltech, Pasadena, CA USA
- Caltech, Pasadena, CA USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - R. Jaumann
- Inst. of Geological Sciences, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - M. Lemmon
- Space Science Inst., Boulder, CO USA
| | - G. Paar
- Joanneum Research, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | | | - F. Preusker
- DLR/German Aerospace Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - M. S. Rice
- Western Washington Univ., Bellingham, WA USA
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Núñez JI, Farmer JD, Sellar RG, Swayze GA, Blaney DL. Science applications of a multispectral microscopic imager for the astrobiological exploration of Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2014; 14:132-69. [PMID: 24552233 PMCID: PMC3929460 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2013.1079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Future astrobiological missions to Mars are likely to emphasize the use of rovers with in situ petrologic capabilities for selecting the best samples at a site for in situ analysis with onboard lab instruments or for caching for potential return to Earth. Such observations are central to an understanding of the potential for past habitable conditions at a site and for identifying samples most likely to harbor fossil biosignatures. The Multispectral Microscopic Imager (MMI) provides multispectral reflectance images of geological samples at the microscale, where each image pixel is composed of a visible/shortwave infrared spectrum ranging from 0.46 to 1.73 μm. This spectral range enables the discrimination of a wide variety of rock-forming minerals, especially Fe-bearing phases, and the detection of hydrated minerals. The MMI advances beyond the capabilities of current microimagers on Mars by extending the spectral range into the infrared and increasing the number of spectral bands. The design employs multispectral light-emitting diodes and an uncooled indium gallium arsenide focal plane array to achieve a very low mass and high reliability. To better understand and demonstrate the capabilities of the MMI for future surface missions to Mars, we analyzed samples from Mars-relevant analog environments with the MMI. Results indicate that the MMI images faithfully resolve the fine-scale microtextural features of samples and provide important information to help constrain mineral composition. The use of spectral endmember mapping reveals the distribution of Fe-bearing minerals (including silicates and oxides) with high fidelity, along with the presence of hydrated minerals. MMI-based petrogenetic interpretations compare favorably with laboratory-based analyses, revealing the value of the MMI for future in situ rover-mediated astrobiological exploration of Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge I. Núñez
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Jack D. Farmer
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - R. Glenn Sellar
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California
| | | | - Diana L. Blaney
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California
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Schmidt H, Hennings E, Zürner P, Voigt W. Fe2(SO4)3·H2SO4·28H2O, a low-temperature water-rich iron(III) sulfate. Acta Crystallogr C 2013; 69:330-3. [PMID: 23579698 DOI: 10.1107/s0108270113005969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The title compound, diiron(III) trisulfate-sulfuric acid-water (1/1/28), has been prepared at temperatures between 235 and 239 K from acid solutions of Fe2(SO4)3. Studies of the compound at 100 and 200 K are reported. The analysis reveals the structural features of an alum, (H5O2)Fe(SO4)2·12H2O. The Fe(H2O)6 unit is located on a centre of inversion at (½, 0, ½), while the H5O2(+) cation is located about an inversion centre at (½, ½, ½). The compound thus represents the first oxonium alum, although the unit cell is orthorhombic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horst Schmidt
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Leipziger Strasse 29, D-09596 Freiberg, Germany.
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Arvidson RE, Ashley JW, Bell JF, Chojnacki M, Cohen J, Economou TE, Farrand WH, Fergason R, Fleischer I, Geissler P, Gellert R, Golombek MP, Grotzinger JP, Guinness EA, Haberle RM, Herkenhoff KE, Herman JA, Iagnemma KD, Jolliff BL, Johnson JR, Klingelhöfer G, Knoll AH, Knudson AT, Li R, McLennan SM, Mittlefehldt DW, Morris RV, Parker TJ, Rice MS, Schröder C, Soderblom LA, Squyres SW, Sullivan RJ, Wolff MJ. Opportunity Mars Rover mission: Overview and selected results from Purgatory ripple to traverses to Endeavour crater. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1029/2010je003746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Cousins CR, Griffiths AD, Crawford IA, Prosser BJ, Storrie-Lombardi MC, Davis LE, Gunn M, Coates AJ, Jones AP, Ward JM. Astrobiological considerations for the selection of the geological filters on the ExoMars PanCam instrument. ASTROBIOLOGY 2010; 10:933-951. [PMID: 21118025 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2010.0517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The Panoramic Camera (PanCam) instrument will provide visible-near IR multispectral imaging of the ExoMars rover's surroundings to identify regions of interest within the nearby terrain. This multispectral capability is dependant upon the 12 preselected "geological" filters that are integrated into two wide-angle cameras. First devised by the Imager for Mars Pathfinder team to detect iron oxides, this baseline filter set has remained largely unchanged for subsequent missions (Mars Exploration Rovers, Beagle 2, Phoenix) despite the advancing knowledge of the mineralogical diversity on Mars. Therefore, the geological filters for the ExoMars PanCam will be redesigned to accommodate the astrobiology focus of ExoMars, where hydrated mineral terrains (evidence of past liquid water) will be priority targets. Here, we conduct an initial investigation into new filter wavelengths for the ExoMars PanCam and present results from tests performed on Mars analog rocks. Two new filter sets were devised: one with filters spaced every 50 nm ("F1-12") and another that utilizes a novel filter selection method based upon hydrated mineral reflectance spectra ("F2-12"). These new filter sets, along with the Beagle 2 filter set (currently the baseline for the ExoMars PanCam), were tested on their ability to identify hydrated minerals and biosignatures present in Mars analog rocks. The filter sets, with varying degrees of ability, detected the spectral features of minerals jarosite, opaline silica, alunite, nontronite, and siderite present in these rock samples. None of the filter sets, however, were able to detect fossilized biomat structures and small (<2 mm) mineralogical heterogeneities present in silica sinters. Both new filter sets outperformed the Beagle 2 filters, with F2-12 detecting the most spectral features produced by hydrated minerals and providing the best discrimination between samples. Future work involving more extensive testing on Mars analog samples that exhibit a wider range of mineralogies would be the next step in carefully evaluating the new filter sets.
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Fleischer I, Brückner J, Schröder C, Farrand W, Tréguier E, Morris R, Klingelhöfer G, Herkenhoff K, Mittlefehldt D, Ashley J, Golombek M, Johnson JR, Jolliff B, Squyres SW, Weitz C, Gellert R, de Souza PA, Cohen BA. Mineralogy and chemistry of cobbles at Meridiani Planum, Mars, investigated by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2010je003621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Squyres SW, Knoll AH, Arvidson RE, Ashley JW, Bell JF, Calvin WM, Christensen PR, Clark BC, Cohen BA, de Souza PA, Edgar L, Farrand WH, Fleischer I, Gellert R, Golombek MP, Grant J, Grotzinger J, Hayes A, Herkenhoff KE, Johnson JR, Jolliff B, Klingelhöfer G, Knudson A, Li R, McCoy TJ, McLennan SM, Ming DW, Mittlefehldt DW, Morris RV, Rice JW, Schröder C, Sullivan RJ, Yen A, Yingst RA. Exploration of Victoria Crater by the Mars Rover Opportunity. Science 2009; 324:1058-61. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1170355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. W. Squyres
- Department of Astronomy, Space Sciences Building, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - A. H. Knoll
- Botanical Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - R. E. Arvidson
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63031, USA
| | - J. W. Ashley
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - J. F. Bell
- Department of Astronomy, Space Sciences Building, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - W. M. Calvin
- University of Nevada, Reno, Geological Sciences, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - P. R. Christensen
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - B. C. Clark
- Lockheed Martin Corporation, Littleton, CO 80127, USA
| | - B. A. Cohen
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL 35812, USA
| | - P. A. de Souza
- Tasmanian Information and Communication Technologies Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Castray Esplanade, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
| | - L. Edgar
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | | | - I. Fleischer
- Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, Germany
| | - R. Gellert
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - M. P. Golombek
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - J. Grant
- Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - J. Grotzinger
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - A. Hayes
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | | | | | - B. Jolliff
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63031, USA
| | - G. Klingelhöfer
- Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, Germany
| | - A. Knudson
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - R. Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Geodetic Science, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - T. J. McCoy
- Department of Mineral Sciences, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - S. M. McLennan
- Department of Geosciences, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - D. W. Ming
- Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - D. W. Mittlefehldt
- Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - R. V. Morris
- Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - J. W. Rice
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - C. Schröder
- Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, Germany
| | - R. J. Sullivan
- Department of Astronomy, Space Sciences Building, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - A. Yen
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - R. A. Yingst
- Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, WI 54311, USA
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Massé M, Le Mouélic S, Bourgeois O, Combe JP, Le Deit L, Sotin C, Bibring JP, Gondet B, Langevin Y. Mineralogical composition, structure, morphology, and geological history of Aram Chaos crater fill on Mars derived from OMEGA Mars Express data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2008je003131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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10
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Calvin WM, Shoffner JD, Johnson JR, Knoll AH, Pocock JM, Squyres SW, Weitz CM, Arvidson RE, Bell JF, Christensen PR, de Souza PA, Farrand WH, Glotch TD, Herkenhoff KE, Jolliff BL, Knudson AT, McLennan SM, Rogers AD, Thompson SD. Hematite spherules at Meridiani: Results from MI, Mini-TES, and Pancam. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je003048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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11
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Le Deit L, Le Mouélic S, Bourgeois O, Combe JP, Mège D, Sotin C, Gendrin A, Hauber E, Mangold N, Bibring JP. Ferric oxides in East Candor Chasma, Valles Marineris (Mars) inferred from analysis of OMEGA/Mars Express data: Identification and geological interpretation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je002950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Tosca NJ, McLennan SM, Dyar MD, Sklute EC, Michel FM. Fe oxidation processes at Meridiani Planum and implications for secondary Fe mineralogy on Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je003019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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13
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Goetz W, Leer K, Gunnlaugsson HP, Bartlett P, Basso B, Bell J, Bertelsen P, Binau CS, Chu PC, Gorevan S, Hansen MF, Hviid SF, Kinch KM, Klingelhöfer G, Kusack A, Madsen MB, Ming DW, Morris RV, Mumm E, Myrick T, Olsen M, Squyres SW, Wilson J, Yen A. Search for magnetic minerals in Martian rocks: Overview of the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) magnet investigation on Spirit and Opportunity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2006je002819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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14
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Knoll AH, Jolliff BL, Farrand WH, Bell III JF, Clark BC, Gellert R, Golombek MP, Grotzinger JP, Herkenhoff KE, Johnson JR, McLennan SM, Morris R, Squyres SW, Sullivan R, Tosca NJ, Yen A, Learner Z. Veneers, rinds, and fracture fills: Relatively late alteration of sedimentary rocks at Meridiani Planum, Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je002949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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