Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Mars Rovers, Mars Water

A view from the Mars rover Spirit, currently stuck in soft soil. NASA/JPL image.

Researchers published new findings based on data collected by rover Opportunity during its exploration of Victoria Crater in the journal Science this week. The rock and sediment features in the crater, scientists say, indicate that liquid water played an important role in shaping a sizable area of the planet long ago. Victoria crater showed water-driven features similar to those found at other crater sites several miles away.

Meanwhile, the Spirit rover appears to be stuck, mired in a hidden patch of soft soil. We'll talk with Steven Squyres, lead scientist for the Mars Exploration Rovers mission, about what's being learned, and what lies ahead.