MSL - SAM and CHEMIN, Discussion of the science/results from these instruments |
MSL - SAM and CHEMIN, Discussion of the science/results from these instruments |
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![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Group: Admin Posts: 3108 Joined: 21-December 05 From: Canberra, Australia Member No.: 615 ![]() |
ADMIN NOTE: Hi All, a new topic for the discussion of the science from the SAM and Chemin instruments.
There has been a very important amendment to Rule 1.3 which is explained here. Please remember Rule 1.3 at all times when discussing matters in this section. |
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#2
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Junior Member ![]() ![]() Group: Members Posts: 94 Joined: 11-August 12 Member No.: 6536 ![]() |
The latest SAM results are complicated, so I'll just comment on the CO2 releases and the chances for organics.
The team makes a good case that the carbon in the CO2 comes from a Martian source. There is 50 times more CO2 than can be explained by combustion of the leaking reagents MTBSTFA/DMF. One possibility is that hydrochloric acid released from decomposing perchlorates is catalysing the decomposition of a Martian carbonate. The other possibility is that oxygen released from decomposing perchlorates is combusting a Martian organic. If the CO2 is coming from an organic then there is a lot of organic here, maybe in the parts per thousand range. SAM can detect organics at an abundance as little as 1 part per billion (ppb), and organics have been detected in Martian meteorites at an abundance of 100 ppb. The only organic molecules directly detected by SAM are some simple chlorinated hydrocarbons. The abundance of these declines when special measures are taken to drive the leaking reagents MTBSTFA/DMF out of the system. When organic minerals like coal combust on earth, they typically produce a range of pollutants like nitrogen and sulfur oxides and unburned hydrocarbons in addition to CO2 and water. Both nitric and sulfur oxides are detected by SAM, but no organics other than chlorinated hydrocarbons are being seen. The team seems to think that any martian organics are likely to be heavily degraded by the combination of radiation and perchlorates. The hope for the future seems to be on finding an environment that is better for preservation. |
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Lo-Fi Version | Time is now: 20th June 2024 - 08:14 AM |
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