New research on NASA’s InSight mission suggests that a recent meteorite impact on Mars has rattled the planet deeper than previously thought. The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, used data from both InSight and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to analyze seismic signals generated by the impact.
The detection of these signals revealed that they penetrate much deeper into Mars’ interior than initially believed. This finding challenges current models of the planet’s crust, mantle, and core, suggesting that the Martian mantle has a different composition than previously thought. The impact was located in the Cerberus Fossae area, approximately 1,640 kilometers away from the InSight landing site.
The study’s lead author notes that this discovery changes our understanding of Mars’ interior, particularly its crust and upper mantle. It also provides an opportunity to distinguish seismic signatures generated by tectonic forces versus shallower impact sources.
This breakthrough has significant implications for future research on Mars, including the possibility of re-examining data from previous seismic events. The findings are a testament to the ongoing scientific value of InSight’s legacy and highlight the importance of continued exploration and research into our neighboring planet.
The discovery was made possible by advanced imaging techniques, including machine learning algorithms used to identify fresh impact sites on Mars. The study demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration between NASA, international partners, and researchers from around the world.
Source: https://www.universetoday.com/170744/a-recent-impact-on-mars-shook-the-planet-to-its-mantle