Phoenix, goodbye

2008/11/13 Lakar Iraizoz, Oihane - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Astronomia

The Phoenix probe has been analyzing the surface of Mars for five months, sending data and photographs. On November 2, however, they stopped receiving the signals from the probe at NASA and on November 11 the mission was concluded by not believing that from now on Phoenix will send signals. Solar panels that supply energy do not seem to receive the energy needed for the probe to work, since as winter arrives less and less sunlight is reaching the place where the probe is. In addition, there was a dust storm in the area, which further hampered the arrival of sunlight. However, the team that is working on it has announced that it will continue to try to contact Phoenix in case it turns on again.

Image courtesy of: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona