A recent study published on Friday revealed that Mars is hit by hundreds of meteorites every year, five times more than previously estimated. This is due to its closer proximity to the main asteroid belt of the Solar System and its thin atmosphere which offers little protection against impacts.
The study utilized seismic recordings to accurately determine the frequency of meteorite impacts on Mars. By analyzing data collected by the SEIS seismograph on Mars, researchers were able to estimate that between 280 and 360 meteorites create craters at least eight meters in diameter on the planet every year. This rate of meteorite impacts is significantly higher than previous estimates based solely on orbiting spacecraft observations.
One of the key advantages 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 acoustic waves generated by meteorite falls, researchers were able to estimate the size and distance of impact craters from the probe.
The study marks a significant milestone in our understanding of Mars’ geological activity as it is the first time that seismological data has been used to determine the frequency of meteorite impacts on Mars. The findings have important implications for future missions to Mars and provide valuable information for understanding the planet’s geology. Overall, this research highlights the importance of using multiple data sources when studying planetary geology.
