Mars Proposal

Core D

Introduction

Our question is, "In looking at THEMIS images, does there seem to be a typical shape of most craters on Mars?" This question is very important because it can help solve some mysteries about Mars. The shape of the craters may reveal information on both the force and direction of impact of meteorites and comets on Mars. It will also help scientists compare Mars to Earth.

Background

We already know some facts about Mars and its craters. Mars has many craters because it does not have a thick atmosphere. We know that craters are formed when comets or meteorites explode when they hit the ground. The southern craters formed in the early days of the solar system. Craters are usually no deeper than 1 1/4 miles and can be hundreds of kilometers across. Craters are typically an oval or circular shape, however, there may be exceptions to this assumption.

To help answer this question, we found pictures of craters that are not circular. The craters' locations are 10.6S, 29.5E -14.3N, 29.5E - 2.2N, 1.6E - 0N, 0E - 0.4N, 5.8E - 48S, 316.5E.

Scientist Peter Schultz has drawn attention to the high abundance of non-circular craters on Mars. He suggests that these elliptical craters were formed by oblique impacts. One example of this is the crater next to a volcano called Ceranius Tholus.

Experiment Design

Our data was compiled from the spacecraft Mars Odyssey and THEMIS. We have looked at about thirty-five THEMIS images to gather data. We will concentrate more on the southern part of Mars since it has more craters. We will measure the craters depth and width by either miles or kilometers in order to determine the shape.

Analysis Plan

After compiling the measurements, we will graph the shape of all the craters we looked at using the THEMIS images. The shapes will be categorized into two groups. One group would be those craters considered to be of a round or circular shape. The other group would be those craters determined to be of a shape other than round. A pie chart graph will be used to compare the shapes of the craters to see if there is a typical shape that occurs most often. We have some images that can prove that craters are usually circular.

In addition to the pie chart graph, we will use images of the craters that support the results of our findings. The crater images would be displayed with the graph in order to illustrate the typical shape of craters on Mars.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our science question is "Does there seem to be a typical shape of most craters on Mars?" This is an important question because determining the shape of craters may help explain the impact of meteorites and comets on Mars. It may also help scientists compare Mars to Earth. Determining if there is a typical shape of craters may help unlock some mysteries involving the red planet. In order to make this determination, use of the THEMIS visible camera is vitally important to our data gathering process. Therefore, based on the possible importance of our findings, we feel our proposal should be accepted, and we be allowed the use of the THEMIS visible camera.

References

www.psrd.hawaii.edu/mar97/avphobos2.html, www.boulder.swri.edu/./oblique.html, World Encyclopedia E&M,