Researchers discover that even a light collision between an asteroid and Mars can propel rocks into space, potentially leading them to Earth.
In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have traced the journey of Martian meteorites to Earth. Through common assumptions and complex laboratory simulations, the research team found that the force needed to eject Martian rocks into space is significantly lower than previously predicted. This discovery is crucial for understanding the geological history of the Red Planet and the abundance of Martian meteorites on Earth.
Researchers have recorded 188 meteorites falling to Earth from Mars. (Photo: iStock)
Among the thousands of meteorites found on Earth, approximately 188 meteorites have been confirmed to originate from Mars. Throughout the tumultuous history of the Solar System, asteroids have collided with Mars with such force that fragments were propelled into space, drifting through the cosmos, eventually falling through Earth’s atmosphere and landing on the surface. Astronomers believed this to be a complex process, requiring only the most intense collisions to send Martian rocks into space. However, the new study published on May 3 in the journal Science Advances indicates that the necessary impact force is much smaller, suggesting that there may be more Martian debris drifting in space and making its way to Earth.
To explore the mysteries surrounding Martian meteorites, scientists utilized advanced simulations in the laboratory to recreate the conditions of such collisions. By subjecting plagioclase-bearing rock, a common Martian mineral, to the intense pressure generated by explosives, the research team was able to observe and analyze the changes that occurred during the process.
Through laboratory simulations, researchers discovered that the force required to propel Martian rocks into space is significantly lower than initially thought. Previous experiments indicated that plagioclase transformed into a glass-like compound known as maskelynite at pressures of 30 gigapascals (GPa). However, the new research shows that this transformation occurs at around 20 GPa, challenging existing knowledge of the ejection dynamics.
According to the study’s findings, even moderate collisions on Mars could cause rocks to be ejected into space, increasing the likelihood of Martian meteorites reaching Earth. This opens up exciting possibilities for discovering more Martian meteorites and collecting valuable data about geological processes on the Red Planet.
The implications of this research are significant for understanding the geological history of Mars. Meteorites provide unique insights into Mars’ past, including its formation processes, volcanic activity, and potential to support life. By identifying the characteristics of the forces impacting Martian rocks, scientists can refine their studies of meteorites and locate the impact craters from which they originated on Mars.
