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Deimos is the smaller of Mars's two tiny, asymmetrical moons at less than 10 miles across, and it orbits farther from the Red Planet (14,500 miles) than its larger counterpart Phobos does. Both moons appear to have a similar composition to a typical class of asteroid, pointing to their likely origin as captured objects from the asteroid belt. This detailed image from February comes from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) camera, which has already provided stunning 3-D views of the Red Planet and recent photographic evidence of water flows on the Martian surface in the not-too-distant past.
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6 Comments
Add CommentWhy don't we study Phobos and Deimos AS ASTEREROIDS? Here are two that are close enough for serious longterm study - since we're looking for planet killers - here are two prime examples. They OBVIOUSLY could have hit the Earth, as a mtatter-of-fact, but for the fact that Mars stopped them.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThat seems the most logical option. To do but to land some thing on them would disrupt the orbit so much more than the other moons in the solar system because of there size. If we are not careful on the landing they may come and hit, all that work done by mars for nothing. but both of us could be wrong and Mars was feeling envious and abducted two asteroids so it could have moons like everyone else.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisYes. Great. Don't forget, they were able (NASA) to orbit a fast moving comet/asteroid recently. So, sending an orbiter around one or both of these two would be fairly easy. AND the bonus would be additional info on Mars. OR, they could use the orbiter to look at the asteroid field. I'm with you, Jonathon, we could both be wrong, but we may just have too much common sense. I'm sure they think that it's too costly, etc. But, we have the two static examples of asteroid. As for moons, our Luna MUST be the prize of the solar system!!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThe reason to become fully familiar with these objects is that they offer prime real estate. Low orbits, lots of mass, low gravity make them ideal stations for local observations and staging areas for other explorations.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThe geological studies certainly would be rewarding combined with really interesting sports activities (Sorta kidding there).
If there is water that to flowing on martian surface then why didnt this news hit the media?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisLanding on these objects is not a realistic way to describe it. A rendezvous manoeuvre is a better description.
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