Review
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Mingyi Fan, Peng Lyu, Yan Su, Kui Du, Qichun Zhang, Zhen Zhang, Shun Dai, Tiansheng Hong
Summary: China successfully launched the Tianwen-1 spacecraft, which carries the scientific instrument MOSIR to study the surface and subsurface structures of Mars, aiming to search for water ice and liquid water related to signs of life.
SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
L. He, R. E. Arvidson, J. A. O'Sullivan, R. Morris, T. Condus, M. N. Hughes, K. E. Powell
Summary: This article introduces a study on simulating Martian surface spectral data using a neural network approach. By analyzing data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Curiosity rover, the presence of dehydrated nontronite in the Glen Torridon region is confirmed.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Stuart J. Robbins, Michelle R. Kirchoff, Rachael H. Hoover
Summary: NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has been orbiting Mars since 2006, capturing over 125,000 images of the planet's surface. This study focuses on correcting data from the Context Camera (CTX) to improve the accuracy of the images. The corrections made have significantly improved the utility of the image data. Rating: 7 out of 10
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Longxiang Wang, Hongxia Ye, Feng Xu
Summary: This article proposes a dual-band difference (DBD) ionosphere compensation algorithm which can simultaneously correct the defocus and sidelobe interference of echoes and compensate for the group delay, significantly important for accurately locating the subsurface structure of Mars.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON GEOSCIENCE AND REMOTE SENSING
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Bruce A. Campbell, Gareth A. Morgan, Fabrizio Bernardini, Nathaniel E. Putzig, Daniel C. Nunes, Jeffrey J. Plaut
Summary: The SHARAD instrument on MRO has been revealing detailed structures of Mars since 2006, with discussions on sources of data change. The study demonstrates a model for gain, refinement in ionospheric attenuation, and the impact of MRO rolls on SHARAD gain contributions, enabling future targeted observations.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
A. Cardesin-Moinelo, B. Geiger, G. Lacombe, B. Ristic, M. Costa, D. Titov, H. Svedhem, J. Marin-Yaseli, D. Merritt, P. Martin, M. A. Lopez-Valverde, P. Wolkenberg, B. Gondet
Summary: The Mars Express and Trace Gas Orbiter missions operated by the European Space Agency are conducting observations in Mars orbit, aiming at cross-calibrating instruments and enhancing scientific collaboration through coordinated observation programs. By analyzing simultaneous and quasi-simultaneous opportunities for cross-calibration and combined observations, the missions have identified multiple observation possibilities that significantly increase spatial and temporal coverage, opening up new opportunities for scientific collaboration and enhancing the overall scientific return of both missions.
Article
Optics
Jianwei Zhou, Hongxing Cai, Yu Ren, Shuang Li, Chunxu Jiang, Zhong Lv, Guannan Qu, Yong Tan, Jing Shi, Tingting Wang, Quansheng Liu
Summary: This paper proposes a broadband NIR detector imaging scheme based on nonlinear crystal frequency conversion, which utilizes silicon-based detectors for direct detection, overcoming the limitations of existing NIR detectors in terms of high cost and noise. The effectiveness of the scheme is validated through theoretical investigation and experimental measurement.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lei Feng, Xiaoying He, Yacan Li, Lidong Wei, Yunfeng Nie, Juanjuan Jing, Jinsong Zhou
Summary: This article presents a compact prism imaging spectrometer method, utilizing a catadioptric curved prism to optimize the optical design process and reduce system volume. The laboratory testing results demonstrate excellent optical performance and a significant decrease in spectrometer length under the same specifications.
Review
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Bin Liu, Xin Ren, Dawei Liu, Jianjun Liu, Qing Zhang, Hai Huang, Rui Xu, Rong Wang, Chengyu Liu, Zhiping He, Chunlai Li
Summary: As a hyperspectral imager aboard the orbiter HX-1 of China's first Mars mission, the Mars Mineralogical Spectrometer (MMS) is designed to survey the mineral types and their distribution on the surface of Mars, and to study the overall chemical composition and evolution history of Mars. The ground validation experiment of MMS is conducted to evaluate the data quality and detection capabilities. The results show that MMS performs well in measuring mineral samples and has superior spectral resolutions and bands selection in its multispectral modes compared to other devices.
SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Xing Wu, J. F. Mustard, J. D. Tarnas, Xia Zhang, E. Das, Yang Liu
Summary: Mineral mapping of a planetary surface is crucial for understanding its composition and evolutionary history. Hyperspectral remote sensing is a primary tool for detecting martian surface composition, but validating mapping results is challenging due to lack of groundtruth. This study compared target detection algorithms on laboratory datasets and found that MTJSLR outperforms others in detecting low abundance hydrous minerals, with carbonates being more difficult to detect than phyllosilicates on Mars.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yanqun Wang, Anderson Feijo, Jilong Cheng, Lin Xia, Zhixin Wen, Deyan Ge, Jian Sun, Liang Lu, Song Li, Qisen Yang
Summary: Studying two congeneric small mammal species in southwest China revealed a history of allopatric differentiation and admixture, resulting in a ring-shaped diversification pattern. The tectonic events of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and climatic oscillations during the Quaternary period played crucial roles in driving the genetic divergence of the two species by providing environmental heterogeneity and geographical variation.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhihan Hong, Yuanyuan Sun, Piaoran Ye, Douglas A. Loy, Rongguang Liang
Summary: A 3D printed glass lightguide array is developed to address the challenges of high spatial resolution in snapshot hyperspectral imaging. It samples the intermediate image in high spatial resolution and redistributes the pixels to achieve high spectral resolution. This technology simplifies the imaging system, reduces complexity and cost, and has demonstrated good performance with biological samples. It will catalyze the development of new hyperspectral imaging systems and enable new applications from UV to infrared.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Nathaniel E. Putzig, Frederick J. Foss Ii, Bruce A. Campbell, John W. Holt, Matthew R. Perry, Isaac B. Smith, Aaron T. Russell, Stefano Nerozzi, Michael S. Christoffersen, Isabella H. Mueller, Paul C. Sava
Summary: This study presents first results from a new 3D radargram of the north polar region of Mars, using data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Shallow Radar. The new radargram has improved vertical resolution and coverage density compared to prior studies, allowing for greater detail in imaging subsurface layering and structures in Planum Boreum. The findings provide important insights into the geological and climate history of the Martian north polar cap.
PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Stuart J. Robbins
Summary: This article discusses the importance of the Mars Global Surveyor's Mars Orbiter Camera images taken from 1999 to 2006 and their potential for scientific analysis.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2023)
Article
Optics
Qinghua Yang
Summary: The UWA-2HSR-SIS is a novel imaging spectrometer that combines ultra-wide field angle, high spatial resolution, and high spectral resolution. It can capture spectral information in real time across the full spectral range of interest, while remaining stable against various disturbances. The system shows great potential for remote sensing electro-optical reconnaissance sensors.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
P. Schenk, J. Castillo-Rogez, K. A. Otto, S. Marchi, D. O'Brien, M. Bland, K. Hughson, B. Schmidt, J. Scully, D. Buczkowski, K. Krohn, T. Hoogenboom, G. Kramer, V Bray, A. Neesemann, H. Hiesinger, T. Platz, M. C. De Sanctis, S. Schroeder, L. Le Corre, L. McFadden, M. Sykes, C. Raymond, C. T. Russell
Summary: High-resolution mapping of Ceres, Vesta, and the icy satellites of Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto has revealed a diverse array of impact crater morphologies, providing a natural laboratory to study the effects of composition on crater formation processes under similar surface gravity conditions. Different types of craters, such as simple craters, immature complex craters, and asymmetric simple craters, exhibit subtle differences in morphology on different celestial bodies, indicating variations in composition and crustal strength. The similarities in crater morphologies between Ceres and icy satellites suggest a weaker rheology for Ceres' outer layers under impact conditions, possibly due to its low-density water ice and clathrate rich outer shell.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Robert C. Anderson, Dan Adamo, Debra Buczkowski, James Dohm, Tamas Haidegger, Tom Jones, Gregg Podnar, Danielle Wyrick
Summary: In planetary exploration, combining teleoperated robotic assets with human presence can increase the quantity and quality of scientific data, while reducing risks and costs.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
J. D. Tarnas, K. M. Stack, M. Parente, A. H. D. Koeppel, J. F. Mustard, K. R. Moore, B. H. N. Horgan, F. P. Seelos, E. A. Cloutis, P. B. Kelemen, D. Flannery, A. J. Brown, K. R. Frizzell, P. Pinet
Summary: Carbonate minerals have been detected in the Jezero crater and the Nili Fossae region with similar properties and are likely to have a shared origin. The presence of both Mg- and Fe-rich carbonates in the region is consistent with olivine carbonation, and hydrothermal alteration is suggested as the most likely formation mechanism.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2021)
Article
Geology
Michael S. Phillips, Christina E. Viviano, Jeffrey E. Moersch, A. Deanne Rogers, Harry Y. McSween, Frank P. Seelos
Summary: Mars is important for understanding crustal formation and recent evidence suggests the presence of evolved components in its ancient crust. Using imaging spectrometer data, feldspathic rocks were discovered in a large area north of Hellas, potentially representing the primary crust of Mars.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Robert C. Anderson, James M. Dohm, Debra Buczkowski, Danielle Y. Wyrick
Summary: NASA's main purpose of exploring Mars is to study its early evolution and the possibility of life. Investigating ancient terrains on Mars can provide valuable information on the planet's early stages, as well as insights into the early Earth and solar system.
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
J. Judson Wynne, John E. Mylroie, Timothy N. Titus, Michael J. Malaska, Debra L. Buczkowski, Peter B. Buhler, Paul K. Byrne, Glen E. Cushing, Ashley Gerard Davies, Amos Frumkin, Candice Hansen-Koharcheck, Victoria Hiatt, Jason D. Hofgartner, Trudi Hoogenboom, Ulyana Horodyskyj, Kynan Hughson, Laura Kerber, Margaret Landis, Erin J. Leonard, Elodie Lesage, Alice Lucchetti, Matteo Massironi, Karl L. Mitchell, Luca Penasa, Cynthia B. Phillips, Riccardo Pozzobon, Jani Radebaugh, Francesco Sauro, Robert V. Wagner, Thomas R. Watters
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive overview of speleogenic processes and features across the solar system. By examining 15 solar system bodies, six different types of cave-forming processes were identified, and 3,545 subsurface access points (SAPs) were identified on 11 planetary bodies and four additional bodies. The majority of knowledge on extraterrestrial SAPs is based on global databases for the Moon and Mars, with high-resolution imagery and other data available. Future research will require acquiring high-resolution imagery to further characterize features beyond the Moon and Mars.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
S. F. A. Cartwright, W. M. Calvin, K. D. Seelos, F. P. Seelos
Summary: In this study, spectral data and machine learning algorithms were used to classify and quantitatively analyze the ice deposits in the south polar region of Mars. Unexpected results were discovered based on the study of seasonal CO2 frost and residual ice, providing important clues for understanding climate change and geomorphological evolution in the south polar region of Mars.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
D. Y. Wyrick, D. L. Buczkowski
Summary: Pit crater chains are surface features that can be found on several celestial bodies in the Solar System, formed through the collapse of overlying materials caused by dilational motion on faults. These chains could also be used as pathways for fluid transport and trapping.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Christina E. Viviano, Andrew W. Beck, Scott L. Murchie, Angela M. Dapremont, Frank P. Seelos
Summary: We used CRISM multispectral mapping data to evaluate the heterogeneity of mineral compositions in Noachian-aged regions of Martian crust. The data supported previous interpretations of vertical crustal structures and alteration to secondary minerals. The analysis of CRISM multispectral data revealed previously unrecognized exposures and provided insights into the extent and grade of secondary mineral assemblages.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Vidhya Ganesh Rangarajan, Livio L. Tornabene, Gordon R. Osinski, Susan J. Conway, Frank P. Seelos, Simone Silvestro, Francesco Salese, Maurizio Pajola, Alice Lucchetti, Giovanni Munaretto, Valentin T. Bickel, Nicolas Thomas, Gabriele Cremonese
Summary: Mars has a variety of active surface processes related to ice/frost, slope activity, wind, and potential liquid water. Monitoring and detecting changes in these processes are crucial for understanding present and past Martian surface conditions. High-resolution remote sensing images from MRO and the CaSSIS instrument on the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter allow detailed tracking and monitoring of these changes. This study provides techniques for conducting change detection campaigns with CaSSIS, including qualitative and semi-quantitative methods for reliable change identification and tracking.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Julie Castillo-Rogez, John Brophy, Kelly Miller, Michael Sori, Jennifer Scully, Lynnae Quick, Robert Grimm, Michael Zolensky, Michael Bland, Debra Buczkowski, Carol Raymond, Amanda Hendrix, Thomas Prettyman, Yasuhito Sekine, Timothy Titus, David Williams, Paul Backes, Laura Barge, Anton Ermakov, Andrew Galassi, Scott Moreland, Kris Zacny
Summary: Dwarf planet Ceres is an important target for future exploration due to its potential brine reservoirs and ongoing geological activity. Scientists proposed two implementation concepts, with the sample return from young evaporite deposits offering greater scientific return.
PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Jennifer E. C. Scully, Samantha R. Baker, Julie C. Castillo-Rogez, Debra L. Buczkowski
Summary: The Dawn orbiter's exploration of Ceres revealed it to be a relict ocean world with evidence of an early global subsurface ocean. Features such as the faculae in the Occator crater, Ahuna Mons, and Haulani crater are believed to be remnants of this ancient ocean. Future exploration of Ceres may involve in situ missions to these scientifically compelling landing/sampling sites identified through orbital reconnaissance and terrain relative navigation/hazard avoidance.
PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Wendy M. Calvin, Nathaniel E. Putzig, Colin M. Dundas, Ali M. Bramson, Briony H. N. Horgan, Kim D. Seelos, Hanna G. Sizemore, Bethany L. Ehlmann, Gareth A. Morgan, John W. Holt, Scott L. Murchie, G. Wesley Patterson
Summary: The Mars Orbiter for Resources, Ices, and Environments (MORIE) was selected as a 2019 Planetary Mission Concept Study by NASA, focusing on the formation of elements in the cryosphere, the evolution of surface environments, and the potential habitability of Mars. The mission aims to provide information relevant to future human exploration of Mars by locating and quantifying near-surface water ice and mineral resources, using a suite of advanced instruments including radar imaging and spectroscopy.
PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2021)