This is a new discovery to be put to the benefit of Perseverance which will interest us today. Indeed, the rover recorded the sound of a Martian storm.
A recording whose importance could prove crucial for scientists and engineers.
A breathtaking phenomenon
Since arriving on Mars in February 2021, Perseverance has done valuable work on the planet’s surface. The main mission of the robot is to explore the Jezero crater in search of potential signs of ancient microbial life. But this is not the only objective of NASA, which wishes to learn as much as possible about this “other world” in view of a future (and hypothetical) manned trip to Mars.
This week, the space agency therefore shared a very surprising audio recording. On September 27, 2021, Perseverance’s microphones picked up the sound of a “ dust devil “, that is to say a whirlpool measuring about 25 meters wide and 118 meters high. Dimensions certainly impressive, but the robot managed to get by without the slightest scratch.
A decisive recording?
The video below allows you to listen to the burst while admiring some images taken by Perseverance on this occasion. It took great precision to accomplish such a feat… Indeed, the vehicle’s instruments record less than three minutes of sound clips about eight times a month. The engineers therefore aimed for the right place at the right time and luck finally struck.
Moreover, if the recording may ultimately seem a bit anecdotal, it is absolutely not for NASA. Such an extract may allow teams to understand the impact of dust in view of future missions to Mars. Although very fine, these particles can easily damage scientific instruments, parachutes and other heat shields on a vessel.
This will therefore be a major parameter to take into account before sending men to the red planet.
Source : Engadget
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