10 Incredible Discoveries Made by NASA’s Insight Lander

10 Incredible Discoveries Made by NASA’s Insight Lander

NASA’s InSight (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport) Lander arrived on Mars on Nov. 26th, 2018. Since then, it has been working effortlessly to unlock the secrets of the Red Planet. Here are 10 incredible discoveries made by NASA’s Insight Lander:

1. Seismic Waves on Mars

The InSight Lander’s seismometer, called the Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS), detected the first-ever Martian quake in April of 2019. Since then, it has detected more than 450 seismic events, including quakes and meteorite impacts. The discovery of seismic waves on Mars can help scientists unravel the planet’s internal structure and understand its geology.

2. Heat Flow from the Planet’s Interior

InSight’s Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package (HP^3) has been drilling into the Martian soil to measure the planet’s internal heat flow. The instrument has discovered that the heat flow is unexpectedly low, which raises questions about the thermal and geological history of the planet.

3. The Thickness of the Martian Crust

SEIS has also helped scientists determine the thickness of the Martian crust. The data collected by the instrument suggests that the Martian crust is between 12 and 23 miles (20 and 37 kilometers) thick, which is thinner than what scientists had previously thought.

4. The Wobble of Mars’ Axis

InSight’s Marsquake Service, provided by SEIS, has helped scientists determine the planet’s wobble, known as the Chandler wobble. This wobbling motion affects the planet’s orientation in space, and the data collected by InSight can help scientists understand the planet’s internal structure and its evolution over time.

5. The Magnetic Field on Mars

InSight’s Magnetometer (MAG) has detected the magnetic field on Mars, which is 10 times weaker than Earth’s. The data collected by MAG can help scientists understand the planet’s magnetic history and how it has evolved over time.

6. The Atmosphere on Mars

InSight’s Pressure Sensor (APSS) has been measuring the atmospheric pressure on Mars, which changes according to the seasons. The data collected by the instrument can help scientists better understand the planet’s weather patterns and how they affect the planet’s geology.

7. The Velocity of Meteorites on Mars

InSight’s cameras have captured images of meteorites crashing into the Martian surface. By measuring the velocity of the meteorites, scientists can better understand the planet’s geological processes and how it has evolved over time.

8. The Dust Devils on Mars

InSight’s cameras have also captured images of dust devils, which are whirlwinds that form on the Martian surface. These devils can help scientists better understand the planet’s weather patterns and how they affect the planet’s geology.

9. The Presence of Water on Mars

InSight’s cameras have captured images of clouds forming on Mars, which suggests that there is water vapor in the planet’s atmosphere. The data collected by the instrument can help scientists better understand the planet’s water cycle and how it affects the planet’s geology.

10. The Martian Interior

InSight’s instruments have provided scientists with the most detailed view of the Martian interior to date. The data collected by the instruments can help scientists better understand how planets form and evolve, and how the Martian interior is unique compared to Earth’s.

In conclusion, InSight’s discoveries are not only significant for Mars but also for the entire solar system. It has provided us with detailed insights into the planet’s interior, geology, and weather patterns. The data collected by InSight’s instruments can help scientists unravel the mysteries of the solar system and better understand our place in it.