1 A possible ancient shoreline has been found in the region of Mars explored by the Chinese rover,Zhurong,providing further evidence that an ocean may once have covered a vast area of the lowlands in the planet's ...1 A possible ancient shoreline has been found in the region of Mars explored by the Chinese rover,Zhurong,providing further evidence that an ocean may once have covered a vast area of the lowlands in the planet's northern part.2 The rover landed in southern Utopia Planitia in May 2021 and remained active for almost a year.Researchers studying data from the rover have found clues of an ancient ocean or liquid water as recently as 400,000 years ago.展开更多
A brief concept study of a modular research aircraft with potential applications to Mars exploration is conducted.Considered are dimensional and mass constraints of a launch vehicle payload compartment,mission radius ...A brief concept study of a modular research aircraft with potential applications to Mars exploration is conducted.Considered are dimensional and mass constraints of a launch vehicle payload compartment,mission radius extension applying ground mobility and overall flight envelope extension using fixed-wing aerodynamics.Also,some lessons learned from NASA Mars Ingenuity flights are considered and addressed with few solutions.The modular system includes a fixed-wing design along with a number of smaller autonomous quadcopter UAVs,encapsulated inside a geodesic spherical support through a gimbal mechanism for ground mobility.Analyzed is the feasibility of allocating to these mini drones both scout and mapping tasks of complex terrain such as crater walls,canyons and cave systems that might hold key insights into the planet's geologic history.Once docked with the mothership fixed wing,the mini drones serve as a distributed propulsion system,for vertical take-off and landing and control,completely replacing control surfaces on the flying wing itself,its engine and landing gear.CFD and structural simulations have demonstrated the flight-ability in Mars conditions of a flying wing design along with scout drone prototypes with a pentagon-hexagon geodesic shell.Also demonstrated is the great flexibility of the suggested modular approach for various research applications and mission profiles on Mars and other planets or moons,improving overall reliability and mission radius.展开更多
In this study, we present an innovative Mars Ionosphere-Thermosphere Model(MITM), which is a time-dependent, threedimensional(3-D) model that comprehensively represents the self-consistently coupled thermosphere and i...In this study, we present an innovative Mars Ionosphere-Thermosphere Model(MITM), which is a time-dependent, threedimensional(3-D) model that comprehensively represents the self-consistently coupled thermosphere and ionosphere of Mars within the altitude range of 70-300 km. The model incorporates an extensive range of parameters, including neutral number densities of CO_(2), CO,O, O_(2), N_(2), NO, N(^(2)D), N(^(4)S), Ar, and He;ion number densities of CO_(2)^(+), CO^(+), O^(+), O_(2)^(+), N_(2)^(+), NO^(+), N^(+) ions, and electrons;neutral temperature;and neutral wind fields. The MITM code employs a high-resolution grid system in a spherical geographical coordinate system, with a horizontal resolution of 5° latitude by 7.5° longitude. This altitude-resolved grid system enables accurate depiction of spatial variations in the Martian thermosphere and ionosphere. To showcase the capabilities of the MITM, we present two simulation cases: one during the equinox and another during the solstice. Both simulations reproduce key features of the Martian thermosphere and ionosphere including the characteristics of horizontal circulation, diurnal variations in chemical composition, and distribution of electron density. The MITM offers a robust framework for understanding the intricate interactions and processes that shape the Mars thermosphere and ionosphere,which are crucial for enhancing our understanding of Martian upper atmosphere and ionosphere.展开更多
Rapid and reliable onboard optimization of bank angle profiles is crucial for mitigating uncertainties during Mars atmospheric entry.This paper presents a neural-network-accelerated methodology for optimizing parametr...Rapid and reliable onboard optimization of bank angle profiles is crucial for mitigating uncertainties during Mars atmospheric entry.This paper presents a neural-network-accelerated methodology for optimizing parametric bank angle profiles in Mars atmospheric entry missions.The methodology includes a universal approach to handling path constraints and a reliable solution method based on the Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO)algorithm.For illustrative purposes,a mission with the objective of maximizing terminal altitude is considered.The original entry optimization problem is converted into optimizing three coefficients for the bank angle profiles with terminal constraints by formulating a parametric Mars entry bank angle profile and constraint handling methods.The parameter optimization problem is addressed using the PSO algorithm,with reliability enhanced by increasing the PSO swarm size.To improve computational efficiency,an enhanced Deep Operator Network(Deep ONet)is used as a dynamics solver to predict terminal states under various bank angle profiles rapidly.Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed methodology ensures reliable convergence with a sufficiently large PSO swarm while maintaining high computational efficiency facilitated by the neural-network-based dynamics solver.Compared to the existing methodologies,this methodology offers a streamlined process,the reduced sensitivity to initial guesses,and the improved computational efficiency.展开更多
Recurring Slope Lineae(RSL)are seasonally observed dark streaks on the Martian surface that exhibit distinct spatial and temporal distribution characteristics.Exploring their formation mechanisms can deepen our unders...Recurring Slope Lineae(RSL)are seasonally observed dark streaks on the Martian surface that exhibit distinct spatial and temporal distribution characteristics.Exploring their formation mechanisms can deepen our understanding of surface activity on Mars and provide scientific basis for future Mars exploration.This study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and formation mechanisms of RSL by reviewing relevant literature and synthesizing various viewpoints and experimental results.RSL typically appear during warm seasons,disappear during cold seasons,and repeat over multiple Martian years.The formation mechanisms can be broadly categorized into three types:dry mode,wet mode,and mixed mode.However,a definitive explanation for the formation of RSL is still lacking,and both the dry and wet models have their respective limitations.It is likely that the formation of RSL is the result of the combined action of multiple mechanisms.The next step should be to search for terrestrial analogs of RSL and conduct research at high spatial and temporal resolutions to understand the forming processes of RSL.展开更多
Hot flow anomalies(HFAs)are not only a terrestrial phenomenon,but also a solar-system-wide phenomenon,one that can cause significant perturbations in planetary magnetospheres and ionospheres.In this study,based on the...Hot flow anomalies(HFAs)are not only a terrestrial phenomenon,but also a solar-system-wide phenomenon,one that can cause significant perturbations in planetary magnetospheres and ionospheres.In this study,based on the observations of Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN(MAVEN)mission in the region upstream of the Martian bow shock from the year 2014 to 2020,we have investigated the statistical properties of HFAs around Mars.Our results show that HFAs can be found in a wide region of Mars,from the dayside to the terminator region.On average,these HFAs last 63 seconds,with a thickness of 28 local proton gyroradii.They are more prevalent when the ambient solar wind is denser and faster,and usually occur when the interplanetary magnetic field magnitude is between 1-4 nT.Martian HFAs can also lead to solar wind dynamics multiplying in pressure by factors of ten within only tens of seconds,which could significantly influence the heights of the Martian ionopause and induced magnetosphere boundary.By comparing HFAs around Earth,we suggest that these phenomena are primarily governed by solar wind dynamics rather than local planetary conditions.展开更多
The polar layered deposits(PLD) of Mars can provide deep insight into paleoclimate changes over the planet's last several million years. Since the 1960s, researchers have studied almost all aspects of Martian PLD ...The polar layered deposits(PLD) of Mars can provide deep insight into paleoclimate changes over the planet's last several million years. Since the 1960s, researchers have studied almost all aspects of Martian PLD properties, searching for patterns that might reveal periodic characteristics of the planet's climate history. Although much progress has been made in our understanding of orbital periodicities reflected in the PLD, questions remain regarding how Martian orbital changes have affected the formation of the PLD and regarding the extent of climate information that is recorded in the PLD. Future studies of PLD should be carried out via integrated research that targets multi-profiles throughout the entire Martian polar regions that would clarify their general features at the hemisphere scale. Numerical modeling, coupled with modern observations of dust and water vapor transportation, should greatly advance our understanding of planetary climate evolution. Furthermore, future landing missions may help to clarify the paleoclimatic characteristics reflected in the PLD by drilling into these layered deposits and measuring mineralogical and geochemical compositions of the drilled samples.展开更多
In response to the need for a supportive on-orbit platform for future Mars exploration missions,this paper proposes the design and implementation of an autonomous spacecraft formation flying system near the Martian sy...In response to the need for a supportive on-orbit platform for future Mars exploration missions,this paper proposes the design and implementation of an autonomous spacecraft formation flying system near the Martian synchronous orbit using fuzzy learning-based intelligent control.A detailed analysis of spacecraft relative motion in the Mars environment is conducted,deducing the necessary conditions to reach the Martian synchronous orbit constraints.The modified Clohessy-Wiltshire(C-W)equation with Martian J_(2)(Oblateness index)perturbation is used as a reference to design a fuzzy learning-based intelligent and robust nonlinear control approach,which helps to autonomously track the desired formation configuration and stabilizes it.An introduction to spacecraft propulsion mechanisms is provided to analyze the feasibility of using electrical thrusters for spacecraft formation configuration tracking and stabilization in Martian synchronous orbits.The simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed control system for long-term on-orbit operations and reveal its reliability for designing intelligent deep-space formation flying configurations,such as an autonomous Mars observatory,a Martian telescope,or an interferometer.展开更多
The strong crustal magnetic fields significantly alter the structure of the Martian space environment,including all plasma boundaries.The stretches of mini-magnetospheres formed by crustal fields from the location of ...The strong crustal magnetic fields significantly alter the structure of the Martian space environment,including all plasma boundaries.The stretches of mini-magnetospheres formed by crustal fields from the location of the Martian bow shocks were first found from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN(MAVEN)observations.The present study aims to test whether this effect is also present in the shocks observed by Mars Express(MEX).We find that the bow shocks above the crustal field regions are enlarged,resulting in a north−south asymmetry and a longitude dependence in the shock size.The longitude dependence is more pronounced for near-subsolar shocks,and more dispersed for near-terminator shocks.The enlarged shocks are also observed to have shifted tailward from the longitudes of the strongest crustal fields.Due to a dawnside bias in MEX shock crossings,the enlarged shocks generally display a westward shift from the strongest crustal field region.These results confirm that stretches of the mini-magnetosphere are also present in the MEX shock observations.展开更多
We present analog clocks fitted to the Mars solar day.These clocks use the standard Earth-based second of the International System of Units(SI)as their operational unit of time,unlike current practice for Mars timekee...We present analog clocks fitted to the Mars solar day.These clocks use the standard Earth-based second of the International System of Units(SI)as their operational unit of time,unlike current practice for Mars timekeeping.We discuss the importance of preserving the SI second.On this basis,we identify the two analog clocks most suitable for public use by a future Mars population.These are a 20-hour clock with a hand motion similar to that of the standard Earth clock,and a 24-hour clock with a novel“Martian”hand motion which strikes the hour when all 3 hands converge onto that hour mark on the dial.Both clocks have Earth-day equivalents to assist learning.We also present a 24-hour“SpaceClock”,similar to the Martian clock but with no favored reference plane,hence equally readable from any viewing orientation.展开更多
The cryosphere component provides the most reliable and insightful indications of any planet’s climate dynamics.Using data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars(CRISM),we develop a novel appro...The cryosphere component provides the most reliable and insightful indications of any planet’s climate dynamics.Using data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars(CRISM),we develop a novel approach to determining the broadband Visible and Near Infrared(VNIR)albedo of the Martian surface.This study focuses on albedo changes in the McMurdo crater,part of Mars’s south polar layer deposits.We compare seasonal and interannual variations of the McMurdo surface albedo before,during,and after the Global Dust Storm(GDS)of Martian Year(MY)34.As the seasons progressed from spring to summer,the mean albedo in MY 32 and 34 plunged by over 40%,by about 35%in MY 33,and by slightly more than 30%in MY 35.Compared interannually,however,mean albedo values within both seasons(spring and summer)exhibited no significant differences in those same years.Notably,interannual albedo difference maps reveal albedo variation of more than±0.3 in certain regions of the crater.Considering only snow-covered pixels,interannual albedo differences suggest that Mars dust had a pervasive impact on Mars’s cryosphere.Variations in maximum and minimum albedo values as high as 0.5 were observed,depending upon differences in the dust levels in Martian snow/ice.The maximum and the minimum snow albedo values were lowest in MY 34,indicating the effect of the intense dust storm event that year.The average snow albedo decreased from 0.45 in MY 32 to 0.40 in MY 33 and to 0.33 in MY 34,and then rose back to 0.40 in MY 35.This trajectory suggests a temporary deposition of dust,partially reversed after the GDS by self-cleaning mechanisms(local aeolian process and CO_(2)sublimation/deposition cycle).展开更多
Internal gravity waves(IGWs)are critical in driving Martian atmospheric motion and phenomena.This study investigates Martian IGWs by using high-resolution data from China’s Tianwen-1 mission and the National Aeronaut...Internal gravity waves(IGWs)are critical in driving Martian atmospheric motion and phenomena.This study investigates Martian IGWs by using high-resolution data from China’s Tianwen-1 mission and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Mars Global Surveyor(MGS)by the radio occultation(RO)technique.Key IGW parameters,such as vertical and horizontal wavelengths,intrinsic frequency,and energy density,are extracted based on vertical temperature profiles from the Martian surface to~50 km altitude.Data reveal that the Martian IGWs are predominantly small-scale waves,with vertical wavelengths between 6 and 13 km and horizontal wavelengths extending to thousands of kilometers.These waves propagate almost vertically and exhibit low intrinsic frequencies close to the inertial frequency,with the characteristic of low-frequency inertial IGWs.Tianwen-1 data indicate stronger IGW activity,higher energy density,and less dissipation than MGS data in the northern hemisphere.Moreover,MGS data in the southern hemisphere show higher buoyancy frequencies and lower vertical wavelengths,suggesting more stable atmospheric conditions conducive to IGW propagation.These extracted IGW characteristics can enhance our understanding of the atmospheric dynamics on Mars and contribute valuable information for parameterization in global circulation models.展开更多
Over the past two decades,it has become increasingly apparent that early Mars may once have been warmer,wetter and more habitable for microbial life than it is today,which has spurred discussions about potential biosi...Over the past two decades,it has become increasingly apparent that early Mars may once have been warmer,wetter and more habitable for microbial life than it is today,which has spurred discussions about potential biosignatures that may be preserved in Martian sediments.An impediment to this line of research is the pervasive oxidation of Mars’surface due to photochemical oxidants that have likely destroyed remnants of organic matter.Here,we investigate whether nitrogen(N)transferred from biomass to phyllosilicate minerals during diagenesis can be preserved in oxidized mudrocks.We investigate two sequences of terrestrial Proterozoic red beds,namely the Sibley Group(1.4 Ga)in Canada and the Stoer Group(1.2 Ga)in Scotland,and we find enrichments in authigenic N in the range of several tens of ppm in both units.The highest concentrations(ca.100 ppm on average)are found in the most desiccated red beds of the Stoer Group,concurrent with enrichments in potassium(K).We discuss similarities and differences between the two sets of rocks with regards to salinity,pH,biological productivity and K-metasomatism,and we conclude that the ideal mechanism for the preservation of biogenic N in red beds may be in-situ release of ammonium from microbial mats into the clay substrate,possibly facilitated by early diagenetic,biologically induced illitization.Illite and smectite have been observed on Mars,and experiments suggest that Martian waters contained moderate amounts of dissolved K.Hence,it is conceivable that a similar K and N enrichment process could have occurred as to what we document for the Proterozoic,preserving evidence of life that may have survived to the modern day.展开更多
With the development of the hyperspectral remote sensing technique,extensive chemical weathering profiles have been identified on Mars.These weathering sequences,formed through precipitation-driven leaching processes,...With the development of the hyperspectral remote sensing technique,extensive chemical weathering profiles have been identified on Mars.These weathering sequences,formed through precipitation-driven leaching processes,can reflect the paleoenvironments and paleoclimates during pedogenic processes.The specific composition and stratigraphic profiles mirror the mineralogical and chemical trends observed in weathered basalts on Hainan Island in south China.In this study,we investigated the laboratory reflectance spectra of a 53-m-long drilling core of a thick basaltic weathering profile collected from Hainan Island.We established a quantitative spectral model by combining the genetic algorithm and partial least squares regression(GA-PLSR)to predict the chemical properties(SiO2,Al2O3,Fe2O3)and index of laterization(IOL).The entire sample set was divided into a calibration set of 25 samples and a validation set of 12 samples.Specifically,the GA was used to select the spectral subsets for each composition,which were then input into the PLSR model to derive the chemical concentration.The coefficient of determination(R2)values on the validation set for SiO2,Al2O3,Fe2O3,and the IOL were greater than 0.9.In addition,the effects of various spectral preprocessing techniques on the model accuracy were evaluated.We found that the spectral derivative treatment boosted the prediction accuracy of the GA-PLSR model.The improvement achieved with the second derivative was more pronounced than when using the first derivative.The quantitative model developed in this work has the potential to estimate the contents of similar weathering basalt products,and thus infer the degree of alteration and provide insights into paleoclimatic conditions.Moreover,the informative bands selected by the GA can serve as a guideline for designing spectral channels for the next generation of spectrometers.展开更多
The InSight(Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations,Geodesy,and Heat Transport)mission has recorded continuous ambient noise signals with many spectral peaks since its landing in 2018.The majority of these p...The InSight(Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations,Geodesy,and Heat Transport)mission has recorded continuous ambient noise signals with many spectral peaks since its landing in 2018.The majority of these peaks are modes produced by instrumental vibrations and are associated with environmental factors,such as temperature and wind energy fluctuations.Understanding how these modes react under various conditions is crucial because it aids in identifying their origins.In this study,we analyzed the three-component spectra of InSight recordings from sols 184–738 and obtained the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio(HVSR,also known as H/V)curves for different time intervals.The primary modes,such as those at 3.3 and 4.1 Hz,exhibited different behaviors,suggesting diverse origins.Some modes were sensitive to low temperature and some were sensitive to high temperature.Additionally,we investigated the influence of wind and temperature on the H/V curve.The peak frequency was mainly affected by temperature,whereas the H/V value was not associated with the temperature or wind only.Characterizing these modes and elucidating their origins are significant for processing signals from InSight and can provide valuable guidance for designing future planetary seismometers.展开更多
文摘1 A possible ancient shoreline has been found in the region of Mars explored by the Chinese rover,Zhurong,providing further evidence that an ocean may once have covered a vast area of the lowlands in the planet's northern part.2 The rover landed in southern Utopia Planitia in May 2021 and remained active for almost a year.Researchers studying data from the rover have found clues of an ancient ocean or liquid water as recently as 400,000 years ago.
基金funded by the Russian Science Foundation(No.22–49-02047)。
文摘A brief concept study of a modular research aircraft with potential applications to Mars exploration is conducted.Considered are dimensional and mass constraints of a launch vehicle payload compartment,mission radius extension applying ground mobility and overall flight envelope extension using fixed-wing aerodynamics.Also,some lessons learned from NASA Mars Ingenuity flights are considered and addressed with few solutions.The modular system includes a fixed-wing design along with a number of smaller autonomous quadcopter UAVs,encapsulated inside a geodesic spherical support through a gimbal mechanism for ground mobility.Analyzed is the feasibility of allocating to these mini drones both scout and mapping tasks of complex terrain such as crater walls,canyons and cave systems that might hold key insights into the planet's geologic history.Once docked with the mothership fixed wing,the mini drones serve as a distributed propulsion system,for vertical take-off and landing and control,completely replacing control surfaces on the flying wing itself,its engine and landing gear.CFD and structural simulations have demonstrated the flight-ability in Mars conditions of a flying wing design along with scout drone prototypes with a pentagon-hexagon geodesic shell.Also demonstrated is the great flexibility of the suggested modular approach for various research applications and mission profiles on Mars and other planets or moons,improving overall reliability and mission radius.
基金This work is supported by the B-type Strategic Priority Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDB4100000)the pre-research Project on Civil Aerospace Technologies No. D020105 funded by CNSAthe Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant XDA17010404, XDA17010201)。
文摘In this study, we present an innovative Mars Ionosphere-Thermosphere Model(MITM), which is a time-dependent, threedimensional(3-D) model that comprehensively represents the self-consistently coupled thermosphere and ionosphere of Mars within the altitude range of 70-300 km. The model incorporates an extensive range of parameters, including neutral number densities of CO_(2), CO,O, O_(2), N_(2), NO, N(^(2)D), N(^(4)S), Ar, and He;ion number densities of CO_(2)^(+), CO^(+), O^(+), O_(2)^(+), N_(2)^(+), NO^(+), N^(+) ions, and electrons;neutral temperature;and neutral wind fields. The MITM code employs a high-resolution grid system in a spherical geographical coordinate system, with a horizontal resolution of 5° latitude by 7.5° longitude. This altitude-resolved grid system enables accurate depiction of spatial variations in the Martian thermosphere and ionosphere. To showcase the capabilities of the MITM, we present two simulation cases: one during the equinox and another during the solstice. Both simulations reproduce key features of the Martian thermosphere and ionosphere including the characteristics of horizontal circulation, diurnal variations in chemical composition, and distribution of electron density. The MITM offers a robust framework for understanding the intricate interactions and processes that shape the Mars thermosphere and ionosphere,which are crucial for enhancing our understanding of Martian upper atmosphere and ionosphere.
基金supported in part by the National Defense Basic Scientific Research Program of China(No.JCKY2021603B030)the Shenzhen Fundamental Research Program,China(No.JCYJ20220818102601004)the Science Center Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.62188101)。
文摘Rapid and reliable onboard optimization of bank angle profiles is crucial for mitigating uncertainties during Mars atmospheric entry.This paper presents a neural-network-accelerated methodology for optimizing parametric bank angle profiles in Mars atmospheric entry missions.The methodology includes a universal approach to handling path constraints and a reliable solution method based on the Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO)algorithm.For illustrative purposes,a mission with the objective of maximizing terminal altitude is considered.The original entry optimization problem is converted into optimizing three coefficients for the bank angle profiles with terminal constraints by formulating a parametric Mars entry bank angle profile and constraint handling methods.The parameter optimization problem is addressed using the PSO algorithm,with reliability enhanced by increasing the PSO swarm size.To improve computational efficiency,an enhanced Deep Operator Network(Deep ONet)is used as a dynamics solver to predict terminal states under various bank angle profiles rapidly.Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed methodology ensures reliable convergence with a sufficiently large PSO swarm while maintaining high computational efficiency facilitated by the neural-network-based dynamics solver.Compared to the existing methodologies,this methodology offers a streamlined process,the reduced sensitivity to initial guesses,and the improved computational efficiency.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation(No.42272340).
文摘Recurring Slope Lineae(RSL)are seasonally observed dark streaks on the Martian surface that exhibit distinct spatial and temporal distribution characteristics.Exploring their formation mechanisms can deepen our understanding of surface activity on Mars and provide scientific basis for future Mars exploration.This study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and formation mechanisms of RSL by reviewing relevant literature and synthesizing various viewpoints and experimental results.RSL typically appear during warm seasons,disappear during cold seasons,and repeat over multiple Martian years.The formation mechanisms can be broadly categorized into three types:dry mode,wet mode,and mixed mode.However,a definitive explanation for the formation of RSL is still lacking,and both the dry and wet models have their respective limitations.It is likely that the formation of RSL is the result of the combined action of multiple mechanisms.The next step should be to search for terrestrial analogs of RSL and conduct research at high spatial and temporal resolutions to understand the forming processes of RSL.
基金supported by NSFC grants 42274219,42330207,42374213 and 42130204Shenzhen Key Laboratory Launching Project(No.ZDSYS20210702140800001)+1 种基金supported by Frontier Science Center of matter behave in space environmentthe support of the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2022YFA1604600).
文摘Hot flow anomalies(HFAs)are not only a terrestrial phenomenon,but also a solar-system-wide phenomenon,one that can cause significant perturbations in planetary magnetospheres and ionospheres.In this study,based on the observations of Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN(MAVEN)mission in the region upstream of the Martian bow shock from the year 2014 to 2020,we have investigated the statistical properties of HFAs around Mars.Our results show that HFAs can be found in a wide region of Mars,from the dayside to the terminator region.On average,these HFAs last 63 seconds,with a thickness of 28 local proton gyroradii.They are more prevalent when the ambient solar wind is denser and faster,and usually occur when the interplanetary magnetic field magnitude is between 1-4 nT.Martian HFAs can also lead to solar wind dynamics multiplying in pressure by factors of ten within only tens of seconds,which could significantly influence the heights of the Martian ionopause and induced magnetosphere boundary.By comparing HFAs around Earth,we suggest that these phenomena are primarily governed by solar wind dynamics rather than local planetary conditions.
基金supported financially by the Key Research Program of the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, CAS (Grant No. IGGCAS-202102 and IGGCAS-201905)。
文摘The polar layered deposits(PLD) of Mars can provide deep insight into paleoclimate changes over the planet's last several million years. Since the 1960s, researchers have studied almost all aspects of Martian PLD properties, searching for patterns that might reveal periodic characteristics of the planet's climate history. Although much progress has been made in our understanding of orbital periodicities reflected in the PLD, questions remain regarding how Martian orbital changes have affected the formation of the PLD and regarding the extent of climate information that is recorded in the PLD. Future studies of PLD should be carried out via integrated research that targets multi-profiles throughout the entire Martian polar regions that would clarify their general features at the hemisphere scale. Numerical modeling, coupled with modern observations of dust and water vapor transportation, should greatly advance our understanding of planetary climate evolution. Furthermore, future landing missions may help to clarify the paleoclimatic characteristics reflected in the PLD by drilling into these layered deposits and measuring mineralogical and geochemical compositions of the drilled samples.
基金supported by the National Laboratory of Space Intelligent Control(No.HTKJ2023KL502007)the Chinese Government Scholarship(CSC)。
文摘In response to the need for a supportive on-orbit platform for future Mars exploration missions,this paper proposes the design and implementation of an autonomous spacecraft formation flying system near the Martian synchronous orbit using fuzzy learning-based intelligent control.A detailed analysis of spacecraft relative motion in the Mars environment is conducted,deducing the necessary conditions to reach the Martian synchronous orbit constraints.The modified Clohessy-Wiltshire(C-W)equation with Martian J_(2)(Oblateness index)perturbation is used as a reference to design a fuzzy learning-based intelligent and robust nonlinear control approach,which helps to autonomously track the desired formation configuration and stabilizes it.An introduction to spacecraft propulsion mechanisms is provided to analyze the feasibility of using electrical thrusters for spacecraft formation configuration tracking and stabilization in Martian synchronous orbits.The simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed control system for long-term on-orbit operations and reveal its reliability for designing intelligent deep-space formation flying configurations,such as an autonomous Mars observatory,a Martian telescope,or an interferometer.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2022YFF0503204)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42388101)+3 种基金Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS(2020065)Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program by CAST(YESS20200152)the Key Research Program of the Institute of Geology&Geophysics,CAS(IGGCAS-202102)the Key Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant ZDB-SSW-TLC00103).
文摘The strong crustal magnetic fields significantly alter the structure of the Martian space environment,including all plasma boundaries.The stretches of mini-magnetospheres formed by crustal fields from the location of the Martian bow shocks were first found from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN(MAVEN)observations.The present study aims to test whether this effect is also present in the shocks observed by Mars Express(MEX).We find that the bow shocks above the crustal field regions are enlarged,resulting in a north−south asymmetry and a longitude dependence in the shock size.The longitude dependence is more pronounced for near-subsolar shocks,and more dispersed for near-terminator shocks.The enlarged shocks are also observed to have shifted tailward from the longitudes of the strongest crustal fields.Due to a dawnside bias in MEX shock crossings,the enlarged shocks generally display a westward shift from the strongest crustal field region.These results confirm that stretches of the mini-magnetosphere are also present in the MEX shock observations.
文摘We present analog clocks fitted to the Mars solar day.These clocks use the standard Earth-based second of the International System of Units(SI)as their operational unit of time,unlike current practice for Mars timekeeping.We discuss the importance of preserving the SI second.On this basis,we identify the two analog clocks most suitable for public use by a future Mars population.These are a 20-hour clock with a hand motion similar to that of the standard Earth clock,and a 24-hour clock with a novel“Martian”hand motion which strikes the hour when all 3 hands converge onto that hour mark on the dial.Both clocks have Earth-day equivalents to assist learning.We also present a 24-hour“SpaceClock”,similar to the Martian clock but with no favored reference plane,hence equally readable from any viewing orientation.
基金support from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) for providing the necessary facility and IITB seed grant.
文摘The cryosphere component provides the most reliable and insightful indications of any planet’s climate dynamics.Using data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars(CRISM),we develop a novel approach to determining the broadband Visible and Near Infrared(VNIR)albedo of the Martian surface.This study focuses on albedo changes in the McMurdo crater,part of Mars’s south polar layer deposits.We compare seasonal and interannual variations of the McMurdo surface albedo before,during,and after the Global Dust Storm(GDS)of Martian Year(MY)34.As the seasons progressed from spring to summer,the mean albedo in MY 32 and 34 plunged by over 40%,by about 35%in MY 33,and by slightly more than 30%in MY 35.Compared interannually,however,mean albedo values within both seasons(spring and summer)exhibited no significant differences in those same years.Notably,interannual albedo difference maps reveal albedo variation of more than±0.3 in certain regions of the crater.Considering only snow-covered pixels,interannual albedo differences suggest that Mars dust had a pervasive impact on Mars’s cryosphere.Variations in maximum and minimum albedo values as high as 0.5 were observed,depending upon differences in the dust levels in Martian snow/ice.The maximum and the minimum snow albedo values were lowest in MY 34,indicating the effect of the intense dust storm event that year.The average snow albedo decreased from 0.45 in MY 32 to 0.40 in MY 33 and to 0.33 in MY 34,and then rose back to 0.40 in MY 35.This trajectory suggests a temporary deposition of dust,partially reversed after the GDS by self-cleaning mechanisms(local aeolian process and CO_(2)sublimation/deposition cycle).
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42174192,12241101,and 91952111).
文摘Internal gravity waves(IGWs)are critical in driving Martian atmospheric motion and phenomena.This study investigates Martian IGWs by using high-resolution data from China’s Tianwen-1 mission and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Mars Global Surveyor(MGS)by the radio occultation(RO)technique.Key IGW parameters,such as vertical and horizontal wavelengths,intrinsic frequency,and energy density,are extracted based on vertical temperature profiles from the Martian surface to~50 km altitude.Data reveal that the Martian IGWs are predominantly small-scale waves,with vertical wavelengths between 6 and 13 km and horizontal wavelengths extending to thousands of kilometers.These waves propagate almost vertically and exhibit low intrinsic frequencies close to the inertial frequency,with the characteristic of low-frequency inertial IGWs.Tianwen-1 data indicate stronger IGW activity,higher energy density,and less dissipation than MGS data in the northern hemisphere.Moreover,MGS data in the southern hemisphere show higher buoyancy frequencies and lower vertical wavelengths,suggesting more stable atmospheric conditions conducive to IGW propagation.These extracted IGW characteristics can enhance our understanding of the atmospheric dynamics on Mars and contribute valuable information for parameterization in global circulation models.
基金EES acknowledges funding from a NERC Frontiers grant(NE/V010824/1)Leverhulme Trust research grant(RPG-2022-313).
文摘Over the past two decades,it has become increasingly apparent that early Mars may once have been warmer,wetter and more habitable for microbial life than it is today,which has spurred discussions about potential biosignatures that may be preserved in Martian sediments.An impediment to this line of research is the pervasive oxidation of Mars’surface due to photochemical oxidants that have likely destroyed remnants of organic matter.Here,we investigate whether nitrogen(N)transferred from biomass to phyllosilicate minerals during diagenesis can be preserved in oxidized mudrocks.We investigate two sequences of terrestrial Proterozoic red beds,namely the Sibley Group(1.4 Ga)in Canada and the Stoer Group(1.2 Ga)in Scotland,and we find enrichments in authigenic N in the range of several tens of ppm in both units.The highest concentrations(ca.100 ppm on average)are found in the most desiccated red beds of the Stoer Group,concurrent with enrichments in potassium(K).We discuss similarities and differences between the two sets of rocks with regards to salinity,pH,biological productivity and K-metasomatism,and we conclude that the ideal mechanism for the preservation of biogenic N in red beds may be in-situ release of ammonium from microbial mats into the clay substrate,possibly facilitated by early diagenetic,biologically induced illitization.Illite and smectite have been observed on Mars,and experiments suggest that Martian waters contained moderate amounts of dissolved K.Hence,it is conceivable that a similar K and N enrichment process could have occurred as to what we document for the Proterozoic,preserving evidence of life that may have survived to the modern day.
基金National Key Research and Development Project(Grant No.2019YFE0123300)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42072337,42241111,and 42241129)+1 种基金Pandeng Program of National Space Science Center,Chinese Academy of Sciences.Xing Wu also acknowledges support from the Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by the China Association for Science and Technology(Grant No.2022QNRC001)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2021M700149).
文摘With the development of the hyperspectral remote sensing technique,extensive chemical weathering profiles have been identified on Mars.These weathering sequences,formed through precipitation-driven leaching processes,can reflect the paleoenvironments and paleoclimates during pedogenic processes.The specific composition and stratigraphic profiles mirror the mineralogical and chemical trends observed in weathered basalts on Hainan Island in south China.In this study,we investigated the laboratory reflectance spectra of a 53-m-long drilling core of a thick basaltic weathering profile collected from Hainan Island.We established a quantitative spectral model by combining the genetic algorithm and partial least squares regression(GA-PLSR)to predict the chemical properties(SiO2,Al2O3,Fe2O3)and index of laterization(IOL).The entire sample set was divided into a calibration set of 25 samples and a validation set of 12 samples.Specifically,the GA was used to select the spectral subsets for each composition,which were then input into the PLSR model to derive the chemical concentration.The coefficient of determination(R2)values on the validation set for SiO2,Al2O3,Fe2O3,and the IOL were greater than 0.9.In addition,the effects of various spectral preprocessing techniques on the model accuracy were evaluated.We found that the spectral derivative treatment boosted the prediction accuracy of the GA-PLSR model.The improvement achieved with the second derivative was more pronounced than when using the first derivative.The quantitative model developed in this work has the potential to estimate the contents of similar weathering basalt products,and thus infer the degree of alteration and provide insights into paleoclimatic conditions.Moreover,the informative bands selected by the GA can serve as a guideline for designing spectral channels for the next generation of spectrometers.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDB 41000000).
文摘The InSight(Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations,Geodesy,and Heat Transport)mission has recorded continuous ambient noise signals with many spectral peaks since its landing in 2018.The majority of these peaks are modes produced by instrumental vibrations and are associated with environmental factors,such as temperature and wind energy fluctuations.Understanding how these modes react under various conditions is crucial because it aids in identifying their origins.In this study,we analyzed the three-component spectra of InSight recordings from sols 184–738 and obtained the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio(HVSR,also known as H/V)curves for different time intervals.The primary modes,such as those at 3.3 and 4.1 Hz,exhibited different behaviors,suggesting diverse origins.Some modes were sensitive to low temperature and some were sensitive to high temperature.Additionally,we investigated the influence of wind and temperature on the H/V curve.The peak frequency was mainly affected by temperature,whereas the H/V value was not associated with the temperature or wind only.Characterizing these modes and elucidating their origins are significant for processing signals from InSight and can provide valuable guidance for designing future planetary seismometers.
