Unlock the Impact: NASA's InSight Reveals Higher Meteoroid Rates on Mars

NASA 's retired InSight lander has provided valuable data regarding meteoroid impacts on Mars . Two new companion studies , published on June 28 , have shown that seismic measurements taken by InSight during its mission indicate a higher rate of impacts than previously thought based on orbital images of the red planet . The studies , led by Ingrid Daubar of Brown University and Graldine Zenhusern of ETH Zurich , estimate an impact rate of two to 10 times higher than previous methods.

Daubar 's team extrapolated the impact rate from meteoroid impacts detected by InSight 's Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure ( SEIS ) , while Zenhusern 's team considered similar seismic events observed by InSight as potential meteoroid impacts . They found between 280 and 360 meteorites striking Mars yearly , creating impact craters greater than 8 meters in diameter.

Before seismic data , scientists relied on lunar crater chronology models and orbital imagery to estimate meteoroid impact rates on Mars . However , the limitations of orbital imaging , such as dust storms and camera resolution , made it challenging to detect smaller craters . InSight 's ability to hear impacts within its range provided a new way to measure impact rates more accurately.

Despite using different strategies , both teams concluded that seismic measurements are effective in calculating meteoroid impact rates . They found that the impact rate estimated from seismic data was closer to Moon - based estimates and offered more accurate results than orbital imaging.

The studies show the potential of using old spacecraft data for new discoveries , even after retirement . InSight 's data on meteoroid impacts on Mars will be crucial for future missions to the planet . The impact of these studies extends beyond the scientific community , highlighting the importance of continued exploration and data analysis in space research.

The findings of these studies were published in prestigious scientific journals , showcasing the significance of the results . By combining seismic measurements with other observational methods , scientists can gain a more comprehensive understanding of meteoroid impacts on Mars . The research opens up new possibilities for studying planetary geology and the effects of meteoroids on celestial bodies.

Overall , the studies demonstrate the value of using multiple data sources and innovative techniques in space exploration . The collaboration between different scientific teams and the utilization of old spacecraft data exemplifies the continuous evolution of research methods in planetary science . As technology advances and new missions are planned , the insights gained from these studies will guide future exploration of Mars and other planets in our solar system.