What specifically is it that astronomers hope to learn by utilizing the Mars Exploration Rovers?

Question

Spirit and Opportunity for their research?

Specifics would be very helpful. I find this subject fascinating and I can't find much on the internet. Links would be helpful too, if you know of any. Thanks.

Answer 1

I think the idea is to find fossilized Microbs if possible, proving that life can be sustained and grow on its own elsewhere in the Universe, other that Earth. This would prove that our planet is not just a freak accident.
IN order to do this, they look for certain spots to examine....if you look in a deep crater, then it is like looking back in time...since some of the surface is ejected you should be able to acheive more historic data of the planets past....
They are also looking for signs of water. As we know on earth, water usually means life...its the "watering hole" theory...looks for the existance of water in the Universe, and you will find the existance of life.
(Mars may have had a short, Wet period where it did support rivers and possibly an ocean.)
But that might only be life as we know it ....what other life forms might there be, that might use other chemicals to sustain itself?
We can only go by what we currently know and make educated guesses.

Answer 2

The current Mars rover mission was designed to find evidence of past water on Mars. The landing sites were chosen because of terrain and minerals which planetary scientists thought might indicate the action of liquid water. They also expected to gain a lot of other information about the geology, chemistry, climate, etc., but the water question was the main one. A history of open water offers clues to the possibility that Mars once supported life.

The link below states the science objectives, but explore the whole site for lots of information on the mission.

Answer 3

the worldwide isn't dropping extensive quantities of money on area. we are dropping extensive quantities of money on conflict. the fee of area exploration is insignificant by using assessment whilst its fee for humanity is great. Do you have any concept how byproducts of area exploration, like photograph voltaic potential and much less extreme priced computers, have superior the lives of the very undesirable you communicate of? What reward for humanity has that little chindig in Iraq yielded? or in step with probability you think of weapons of mass destruction are a extra helpful investment by way of fact it may be plenty much less complicated to easily kill each and every of the undesirable and ravenous. concern solved, proper? If all human beings could get off their fat asses and workout for only half-hour in step with day it may save the U. S. well-being care device quite a few NASA budgets each year in decreased weight problems proper ailments...

Answer 4

The Mars Exploration is very important so as to enable them to find out if men can live there. Because the Earth is already full of people. So, if men can survive there, those who are too rich to go there can stay there... Those who can afford :)

Answer 5

Not only are they trying to find life in the Solar System outside Earth, but they are also trying to piece together why Mars "died" and see if it can "live" again.

By studying weather patterns and such on another planet, we can learn a lot about our own.

http://marsrover.nasa.gov/home/index.html

Answer 6

This is what I observed about you:
1] You are a very complex person.
2] You're a deep thinker.
3] At times you have great Qs.
4] At other times, you amaze me with those deep Qs.

For this Q, I simply don't have an answer. I never gave this any thought.

Thanks for asking. Sorry I couldn't help!

VTY,
Ron

Answer 7

because tehy hope to find fossils on mars [i wish i wish i would go!!] they know that robots can't find fossils, so they are [trying] to develop something that can let astronauts land on mars and collect info...


sorry if i didn't answer u...