
Rover "Kyuriositi" made an important discovery with the help of a simple tool
The device "Kyuriositi" arrived on Mars in 2012, and during that time revealed many facts about the Red Planet. It is mainly used sophisticated devices such as a drill and an onboard laboratory, but for a recent calculation of density of soil in the crater Gale, he needed only sensor that is in almost every smartphone - accelerometer. In particular, the rover explored the structure of the soil on the mountain Aeolis (also known as Mount Sharp) is located right in the middle of the crater. It turned out that the last submission of scientists about the density of the soil in the crater were wrong.

Previously it was thought that its density is 2810 kg per cubic meter - this conclusion was reached in the course of the analysis of its mineral content. It turned out that the rock has a much porous structure - 1680 kg per cubic meter. Scientists have calculated that, by measuring the force of gravity at 700 points of the path, which was passed rover for 5 years. To measure accelerometer was used which differs from smart sensors installed on the ability to measure only the force of gravity at different points of the surface. Particular attention was paid to the scientists point where "Kyuriositi" began to climb the mountain Aeolis. His foot turned porous, which means that it has never been covered with a lot of ground - if that were the case, his weight would be significantly compacted soil. Therefore, initially the mountain was what people see her now.

The findings add new intrigue to the mystery of the formation of a high mountain. Previously it was thought that the crater was completely filled with sediments. Over two billion years, they have been exposed to the wind and eventually formed a huge mountain. Now this theory is called into question - if it were true, mountains density would be much higher.
In addition to the apparatus "Kyuriositi" on Mars is "Opportunity". He recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, but at the moment does not get in touch - it was lost after a severe dust storm.
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