Impact on Mars

2008/06/30 Roa Zubia, Guillermo - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Astronomia

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The North and South hemispheres of Mars are very different. The northern area is flat, as if it were the bottom of an ancient ocean; moreover, from a geological point of view, the surface of the planet is thin and has a very common magnetic field. The south is the opposite, mountainous, coarse bark and with a very complex magnetic field. According to one study, the difference between the two is a consequence of the impact of an asteroid.

This is a research from the University of California. Data obtained by two satellites in the orbit of Mars are Reconnaissance Orbiter and Global Surveyor. With this data a computer simulation has been performed to check if the impact of an asteroid can cause the current appearance of Mars. The answer has been yes if the asteroid's shock angle to the surface of the north pole of Mars is between 30 and 60 degrees.

This hypothesis coincides with the theory of formation within the solar system. It is believed that Mercury, Venus, Earth, Moon and Mars were formed because there was a ring of stones around the Sun, and with the passage of time gravity collected in this planetary system. The process is not over yet, but today there are not many giant asteroids in that place. However, at the time of the impact of Mars, in which the Earth and the Moon emerged through another impact.Video:

S. General information Marinova/O. Aharonson