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Evidence of Ancient Groundwater Flows found on Mars
By Assam on September 27, 2008
NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has sent back some interesting data that revealed hundreds of small fractures exposed on the Martian surface, which scientists believe that billions of years ago directed flows of water through underground sandstone of Martian soil.
Scientists studied the images taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter’s High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment, or HiRISE camera, at Mars’ Capen crater. The images shows the clusters of fractures that are caused by stresses below the surface in granular or porous bedrock. These fractures along with the visible effects of water on the color and texture of rocks, provides evidence that groundwater flowed extensively in Martian soil.
“Groundwater movement has important implications for how the temperature and chemistry of the crust have changed over time, which in turn affects the potential for habitats for past life,” said Suzanne Smrekar, deputy project scientist for the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
The information sent by Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter told scientists that water was there on Mars, as far back as 4.6 billion to 3.8 billion years ago. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory reported it in July and added that the period when there was water on Mars, corresponds to the earliest years of the solar system.
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Assam »
Three Bomb Blasts in Guwahati
January 1, 2009
At least 5 people were killed and more than 50 injured in three bomb blasts that rocked Assam’s capital city Guwahati today. The bombs went off just a few hours before Union Home Minister P Chidambaram landed in the city. According to police sources, no one has taken responsibility for the blasts. But police sources [...]
Hollywood »
John Travolta’s Son Jett dies At 16
January 2, 2009
Hollywood superstar John Travolta’s teenage son, Jett, died on Friday during a family vacation in the Bahamas. According to Police sources, the teenage boy became ill and hit his head on the bathtub. The actor’s lawyer, Michael Ossi, said Jett Travolta, 16, had a history of seizures and suffered one on Friday morning. Every attempts [...]
News »
China cracks down on Porn
January 6, 2009
China on Monday launched a month-long a crackdown operation on major websites, including search engine giants Google and Baidu, over the spread of pornographic content and other materials that could harms the morality and health of young people.
The campaign involves seven government agencies, including the State Council Information Office, the Ministry of Industry and Information [...]
Technology »
Air New Zealand conducts first biofuel test flight
December 30, 2008
On Tuedsay, Air New Zealand created a new aviation history by successfully conducting the world’s first ever commercial aviation test flight powered by fuel from the seeds of the African jatropha plant. A biofuel blend of 50-50 jatropha and Jet A1 fuel was used to power one of the airline’s Boeing 747-400’s Rolls-Royce engines.
“It is [...]
Health and Fitness »
Premature babies are less sensitive to hot and cold
December 27, 2008
Premature babies who need intensive care or surgery are less sensitive to hot and cold sensations later in life, suggests a new study published in journal Pain. The research conducted by University College London (UCL) suggested that pain and injury related to major medical interventions in early development may alter how children respond to painful [...]
Science »
Chandrayaan finds iron reserves on Moon
December 29, 2008
An experiment on board India’s first moon mission Chandrayaan-I has indicated that there are abundant iron containing minerals on the lunar surface. According to news reports, data sent back to earth by the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) instrument of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) indicates abundance of iron-bearing minerals such as [...]
