Originally published Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Mars lander ready to do some digging
After troubleshooting an electrical problem on NASA's Phoenix lander and performing a test scoop into the crumbly surface of the Martian...
Los Angeles Times
After troubleshooting an electrical problem on NASA's Phoenix lander and performing a test scoop into the crumbly surface of the Martian northern plain, scientists said Monday that they are ready to dig for ice as early as today.
Phoenix is the first spacecraft designed to sample the water on an alien planet. Over the weekend, it sent back images showing white streaks under the lander that could be surface ice.
Scientists were so excited that they nicknamed the site Holy Cow.
"It's a thrill for me to find out we're in a really great place to do the science we want to do," said Peter Smith of the University of Arizona, the lead scientist on the $420 million mission.
Even if the patches turn out to be a more common salt, scientists are certain large stores of ice lie just inches beneath the lander.
Scientists tested Phoenix's nearly 8-foot-long robotic arm by extending it to the ground, leaving an imprint that researchers dubbed Yeti (abominable snowman) because it resembles a large footprint. The arm also scooped up a bit of soil.
"The soil is crumbly," said Raymond E. Arvidson of Washington University in St. Louis during a briefing Monday morning from Tucson, Ariz. "It's kind of like cemented garden soil."
He said the robotic arm should not have any trouble. "When you push on it, it breaks apart. It's not going to be really strong stuff."
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Obama warns of 'difficult' days in Iraq, pledges support for troops
Top Iran clerics decry election, defy supreme leader
Sailor recounts girl's rescue after plane crash
Obituary: Beijing opera singer inspired 'Madame Butterfly'
Bill fails to focus on cutting oil use

2009 fireworks time lapse
With strict parking rules enforced at this year's July 4th celebration on Wallingford Ave North, less cars and more spectators filled the streets.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Tax tips for new independent professionals
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Former NFL MVP McNair killed
- Russell Branyan, Mariners fight off the Red Sox
- Palin takes to Web for hints of political future
- Fourth of July festivals and fireworks in Seattle, the suburbs and beyond
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- The Blotter | Man pistol-whipped after argument at nightclub
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Desert-lobster dispute turns pair into sagebrush heroes
- Larry Stone | Mariners deserve big All-Star contingent
- Palin resigning as Alaska governor
768 - Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/04 game thread
244 - Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/05 game thread
171 - Former NFL MVP McNair killed
99 - Hatred for the NBA runs deep, but don't take it out on the players
91 - Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
90 - Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
79 - Property taxes: Appeals shoot up is King, Snohomish Counties
64 - Mariners score unlikely win over Red Sox in battle of bullpens
58 - Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
51
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Merchant Marine veterans fight for recognition
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Close-up | Prison guards intercept carrier pigeon with a cellphone
- Pre-grill drill: marinate steaks
- Concert Review | Green Day blasts off 4th weekend with KeyArena show
- Amtrak cleared for 2nd daily train to Vancouver, B.C.
- Lake Washington's sockeye run may hit a record low
- The People's Pharmacy | Estrogen mimicker found in sunscreen





