Magnetic properties experiments on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit at Gusev Crater
August 6, 2004
The magnetic properties experiments are designed to help identify the magnetic minerals in the dust and rocks on Mars—and to determine whether liquid water was involved in the formation and alteration of these magnetic minerals. Almost all of the dust particles suspended in the martian atmosphere must contain ferrimagnetic minerals (such as maghemite or magnetite) in an amount of ∼2% by weight. The most magnetic fraction of the dust appears darker than the average dust. Magnetite was detected in the first two rocks ground by Spirit.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2004 |
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Title | Magnetic properties experiments on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit at Gusev Crater |
DOI | 10.1126/science.1100112 |
Authors | P. Bertelsen, W. Goetz, M.B. Madsen, K.M. Kinch, S.F. Hviid, J. M. Knudsen, H.P. Gunnlaugsson, J. Merrison, P. Nørnberg, S. W. Squyres, J. F. III Bell, Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, S. Gorevan, A. S. Yen, T. Myrick, G. Klingelhoefer, R. Rieder, R. Gellert |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Science |
Index ID | 70201099 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Astrogeology Science Center |