Neutron Mars

[wet1]

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0203/nmars_odyssey.jpg

Neutron Mars
Credit: Mars Odyssey, GRS Team, ASU/LPL, NASA
Looking for water on Mars, researchers using detectors on board the orbiting Mars Odyssey spacecraft have created this false-color global map of energetic neutrons from the otherwise Red Planet. What do neutrons have to do with water? As cosmic rays from interplanetary space penetrate the thin martian atmosphere and reach the surface they interact with elements in the upper layer of soil, scattering neutrons back into space. But if the martian soil contains hydrogen, it seriously absorbs energetic scattered neutrons. Tracking variations in absorption, neutron detectors can map changes in surface hydrogen content from orbit. Hydrogen content is taken as a surrogate measure of frozen water (H20), the most likely form of hydrogen close to the martian surface. Blue shades in the above map correspond to large concentrations of hydrogen, indicating in particular that the martian south polar region has a high amount of water ice near the surface.

[Avatar]

well, what are we waiting then. fill up the shuttles and off to Mars;)

[Unidentified Flying Object]

Mars is truly an interesting planet... I just can't wait for manned mission to Mars.

[wet1]

A manned mission to Mars is something I have been waiting on also.

One of the big things to a manned mission is do they have to carry their own water. At 8 lbs per gallon, that is a hefty lift weight to have to carry for a year on Mars plus travel time going and coming. This is one of the things that almost must be there for us or we won't get there for a long time (until technology can do the job without the huge cost of a spaceship that is near the size of a city).

Because of the long travel time, once they are there, 7-11 stores are not around the corner in case they forgot something. They take it with them or do without it if it can not be made or obtained there. So the strong possiblity of water on Mars is good news for travel aspects.

[justagirl]

I read an article about 10 years ago in a magazine while I was waiting to see my Doctor. I would give anything to still have that article but it was written from a man that felt Mars could be made into a planet to support life. It was very deep and many times way over my head but he suggested we introduce biological life on mars in hopes that evolution would take its course and of course as it is fuled by man we could speed it up some. WE could introduce new species of plants and fish as we felt they could support themself. In time he felt there would be enough oxyogen from tha new plants to support man. This source of hydrogen would support that old article shrugs.

[betavoltaic]

Those spots of equatorial water are very interesting to me. I think I would want to land right next to one of those as a starter place for a manned mission.