A meteorite thuds into Mars surface: Audio of impact released

Scientists involved in the study of Mars have given us a piece of audio from our neighbouring planet. Last year, a meteorite slammed into Mars’ surface, causing a magnitude four trembler. This was detected by NASA’s InSight spacecraft, which landed on the planet four years before, about 2,200 miles away.

Less than 24 hours after the impact, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter took pictures of the recently formed crater caused by the hit and confirmed the news of the marsquake.

After the Mars lander caught seismic signals, the images of the impact crater made by the meteorite were captured by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.


NASA released an audio recording of the collision. To make the sounds discernible, NASA sped up the data by 100 times.

Study Of Mars’ interior is now possible

During a press conference held on Thursday, Ingrid Daubar, who works at MRO missions, said that this is the biggest-ever impact on Mars.

On Mars’ warmest spot, near the equator, the presence of water ice is seen, which is surprising.

The ice can be transformed into water, hydrogen, or oxygen, which is helpful for future human visitors.

As the impact had sent seismic waves across Mar’s crust and core, studying its internal structure is now possible.

FAQs

How giant was the meteorite that hit Mars?
Researchers have said that the measurement of the meteorite could be around 16 to 39 feet.

Why is InSight’s mission ending?
After successfully capturing 1,300 marsquakes, InSight’s mission can end in a couple of months because of dust accumulation on the solar power panel’s lander.