Mars Polar Cap Mystery Solved 77
Matt_dk writes "Scientists are now able to explain why Mars' residual southern ice cap is misplaced, thanks to data from ESA's Mars Express spacecraft (the same probe running the 'Mars Webcam'). It turns out the martian weather system is to blame. And so is the largest impact crater on Mars — even though it is nowhere near the south pole. Like Earth, Mars has frozen polar caps, but unlike Earth, these caps are made of carbon dioxide ice as well as water ice. During the southern hemisphere's summer, much of the ice cap sublimates, a process in which the ice turns straight back into gas, leaving behind what is known as the residual polar cap. The mystery was that while the winter cap is symmetrical about the south pole, the residual cap was offset, and scientists couldn't figure out why."
What do they mean 'misplaced'? (Score:5, Funny)
It's right where I left it.
Water Ice (Score:1, Funny)
Frost poast?
Mar's ice cap is made of water ice!
Re:What do they mean 'misplaced'? (Score:2, Funny)
The answer is simple (Score:5, Funny)
Mars did the calculation for one pole in Metric and the other one in Imperial. That's why they don't line up.
Of all people, NASA should know this.
Re:What do they mean 'misplaced'? (Score:5, Funny)
In the sofa cushions? That's where I usually find my keys. Did NASA find their keys, too? What about the TV remote?
Yep. You should always look in the couch cushions. And under the couch. That's where I found Jesus.
Marvin vindicated (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Alien planet (Score:5, Funny)
"It seems absurdly simple, but it is quite foreign to meteorology on our planet to have an impact crater affecting the global climate and weather patterns."
Tell that to the dinosaurs...
The real reason is that... (Score:5, Funny)
Still not answered... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Alien planet (Score:5, Funny)
Tell that to the dinosaurs...
They aren't in Kansas anymore, either...
Re:What do they mean 'misplaced'? (Score:5, Funny)
You work for the Border Patrol or the Bureau of Immigration?
Re:Alien planet (Score:1, Funny)
Nope. They were outlawed there three years ago [democratic...ground.com].
Re:Carbondioxide-ice (Score:5, Funny)
I heard that it's sublime!
Re:Alien planet (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Martian atmosphere (Score:3, Funny)
Maybe now the ending scene in Total Recall makes some more sense? I'll have to rewatch it and see...
No, that won't help...