Venus, Mars Share Rare Molecule |
Venus, Mars Share Rare Molecule |
Oct 11 2007, 07:33 AM
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Member Group: Members Posts: 247 Joined: 17-February 07 From: ESAC, cerca Madrid, Spain. Member No.: 1743 |
Planetary scientists have detected a rare molecule in the atmospheres of both Mars and Venus. The molecule, an exotic form of carbon dioxide, could affect the way the greenhouse mechanism works on Venus.
More information is available at the ESA Venus Express web site at: http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Venus_Express/SEMF8BV7D7F_0.html -------------------- --
cndwrld@yahoo.com |
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Oct 11 2007, 04:49 PM
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Merciless Robot Group: Admin Posts: 8784 Joined: 8-December 05 From: Los Angeles Member No.: 602 |
Hmm. According to this site, O-18 only makes up 0.2% of the total amount of oxygen on Earth (I assume that's the reference area, anyhow). What could have enriched it on Venus & Mars to the point that 16-12-18 was a more abundant molecule on those worlds than on our own?
Only thing I can think of is that their lower gravities may make escape easier for lower-mass isotopes. If true, then we should expect enrichment of heavier gaseous isotopes across the board. -------------------- A few will take this knowledge and use this power of a dream realized as a force for change, an impetus for further discovery to make less ancient dreams real.
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