03-03-2007, 06:47 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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Uber Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Woking
Posts: 31,055
Party: Libertarian Party
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http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/09/21/mars_dynamic/
Quote:
The orbiter was designed to carry out observations for one Martian year (nearly two Earth years), but it has lasted much longer than its designers anticipated. Its mission was extended in 2001, and scientists have been able to use it to track seasonal changes on the red planet, as well as to pick up changes like the appearance of new boulder tracks.
The surveyor has also picked up new impact craters formed since the 1970s, which may mean age-estimating models need to be revisited. In addition, scientists have watched carbon dioxide deposits at Mars' south pole shrink for three consecutive Martian summers. They suggest there may be a climate change in progress.
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