Mars Rover update

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Mars Rover Curiosity is coming up with some soil samples from the red planet that are decidedly martian, but also found in Hawaii. The materials found in the soil are very similar to Hawaiian volcanic soil. It’s very heavy in certain minerals indicating strong volcanic origin. How recently was there volcanic activity on Mars? Well, that is a matter of some controversy in the science world. Some scientists believe, that yes there are volcanoes on the surface, but there hasn’t been any activity in quite some time. However, others think there is evidence of volcanic activity maybe 1000 years ago, many many years before humans began observing the planet. In relation to the Universe this not a long time at all. Curiosity will continue on its trek through Gale Crater getting a profile of soils all along the way. Also, six astronauts are aloft in ISS. It has been almost a month since we saw the first launch with supplies to ISS and since then it has been filling out nicely with more and more materials and supplies and probably feels more like home to the astronauts stationed there. And don’t miss what’s in the night sky this week. All this and more on this week’s Sky Talk.

Photo credit: NASA