Ok, Nasa sends rovers to mars to find water. Satelite discovers an ocean of water at the pole. What gives?

Answer 1

The rovers are still looking for proof of LIQUID water on/near the surface of Mars. The satellites were trying to measure the thickness and area of the ice caps. Two different questions, two different instruments.

Answer 2

More specifically, the rovers were sent to "follow the water." That means looking for any evidence of past or present water. They are not equipped to look for evidence of life itself...at least not unless something dances in front of the camera or an obvious fossil is found in the rocks.

As for "what gives" about the ocean of water. We have known for many years that Mars has permanent ice caps of frozen water (and seasonal ice caps of frozen carbon dioxide). More recently, orbiters have discovered that there is an extensive layer of permafrost just beneath the surface of the northern plains. Calculations indicate enough frozen water in the soil to comprise an ocean. And, indeed, it is thought that some 4 billion years ago, Mars may have had a great ocean covering the northern 1/4 of the planet. (And it's likely that the ocean was frozen over most of the time.) It seems that it all might have soaked into the ground.

Answer 3

I don't really understand your question, but I'll presume you are one of those "I'm too cool to speak properly" fanasists.

YES they finally found hardcore proof that water (the bringer of life as we know it) does exist on Mars.

This is an astonishing development and for the record it was a Euro-USA expidition lead by NASA using equipment developed by Italian scientists (world leaders in microelectronics and robotics) that made this discovery.

They're also saying that the poles represent only 10% of the water that once flowed on Mars, and that beneath the frozen surface, there could even be flowing liquid streams.

The amount of ice found would be enough to completly engulf our entire planet in water. But in terms of Mar's mass, it only represents a small amount of water compared with the amount of water on Earth (70% cover)

So.. that's "what gives"

Answer 4

NASA didn't send the rovers to find water -- we've known there was frozen water on Mars for several decades or more.
They sent the rovers to explore the planet, look for signs of *liquid* water, and to look for any signs of life. Big difference :)

Answer 5

Hi. Do a search on 'rover blueberries'. This is the kind of interesting science Rovers were sent up there for.

Answer 6

It's not an ocean, it's frozen.

I'm not sure what the problem is...

Answer 7

It is there.