A recent study published on Friday has revealed that Mars receives hundreds of meteorites every year, five times more than previously estimated. This is due to its proximity to the main asteroid belt of the Solar System and its thin atmosphere which offers little protection against impacts.
The study used seismic recordings to accurately determine the frequency of meteorite impacts on Mars. By analyzing data collected by the SEIS seismograph on Mars, researchers estimated that between 280 and 360 meteorites create craters at least eight meters in diameter on the planet every year. This rate is significantly higher than previous estimates based solely on orbiting spacecraft observations.
One advantage of using seismic recordings to study meteorite impacts on Mars is the ability to detect small craters even in areas where sandstorms make it difficult to identify impacts from orbit. By analyzing the acoustic waves generated by meteorite falls, researchers were able to estimate the size and distance of impact craters from the probe.
The findings of this study have important implications for future missions to Mars and provide valuable information for understanding the geological activity on the planet. It highlights the importance of using multiple data sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of a planet’s geology. Overall, this research sheds light on the frequency and impact of meteorites on Mars, providing new insights into its geological history and potential future hazards.
