Recent research seems to have definitively clarified the mysterious origin of the two moons of Mars.
Phobos and Deimos are the moons of Mars. These are small stars with irregular shapes. Phobos measures 27 kilometers from end to end. Deimos,15 years old. They orbit Mars at a very short distance. Deimos does this about 20,000 kilometers from the surface of Mars, taking 30 hours to make a complete revolution around the planet. The case of Phobos is even more spectacular: only about 6,000 kilometers separate it from the Martian surface and it takes only 7 hours and 39 minutes to orbit the planet. There is no known moon that is closer to its planet. Furthermore, the distance between Phobos and Mars is gradually decreasing.it is estimated that in about 50 million years Phobos will crash into the surface of Mars or break apart in orbit to form a ring around the planet.
Those two moons were believed to have originally been asteroids that were than gravitationally captured by Mars. But the true origin of both stars is much more complex and remained a mystery for a long time.
Jacob Kegerreis’ team, from NASA’s Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, USA, carried out a detailed study of the origin of Phobos and Deimos, using simulations run on a supercomputer.
Artistic recreation of a landscape seen from space in wich a sector of Mars and its two moons appear, one clearly visible at the far left of the image and the other as a tiny dot at the far right, in the nocturnal hemisphere of the planet . (Image: NASA)
The results of the study made it possible to reconstruct the most probable events that lead Mars to the acquisition of its two satellites.
It all started when an asteroid passed too close to Mars and its gravity fragmented it.
The resulting rock fragments were scattered into various orbits around Mars. more than half of the fragments escaped the Mars system, but others remained in orbit. Tossed around by the gravity of Mars and the Sun, some of the remaining asteroid fragments began colliding with each other, each collision crushing them further and scattering more debris.
After numerous collisions, the fragments concentrated to form a disk surrounding the planet. Over time, some of this material aggregated further and formed Mars’ two small moons, Phobos and deimos.
The study is titled “The Origin of mars moons by Disruptive Partial Capture of an Asteroid.” and it was published in the academic journal Icarus. (Fountain: NCYT by Amazings)
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**what are the implications of Jacob Kegerreis’ research on Mars’ moons for future space missions?**
Interview with Jacob Kegerreis: Unraveling the Mysteries of Mars’ Moons
Editor: Thank you for joining us today,Jacob,from NASA’s Ames Research Center. Your recent work has shed light on the origins of Mars’ two moons, Phobos and Deimos. Could you briefly explain how your research has clarified their origin?
Jacob Kegerreis: Thank you for having me. Indeed, our research has revealed that phobos and Deimos originated from an asteroid that passed too close to Mars. Rather than being captured asteroids, as previously thought, a gravitational interaction fragmented this asteroid, scattering rock fragments into various orbits around the planet. Over time, these fragments collided, eventually aggregating to form the moons we see today.
Editor: That is fascinating! How does the unique proximity of Phobos and Deimos to Mars influence their orbit and future?
Jacob Kegerreis: both moons have remarkably close orbits. Phobos, for instance, travels at only about 6,000 kilometers from Mars, completing an orbit in just 7 hours and 39 minutes.In contrast, Deimos is a bit further away and takes about 30 hours to orbit. Interestingly,Phobos is gradually spiraling inward—a process that will lead it to either crash into Mars or break apart,potentially forming a ring around the planet in roughly 50 million years.
Editor: That brings up an intriguing point about planetary dynamics. What insights does your study provide regarding such gravitational interactions in the universe?
Jacob Kegerreis: The study highlights the complexities of celestial mechanics and how close encounters with larger bodies, such as planets, can substantially alter the fates of smaller bodies like asteroids. This mechanism could explain the origins of other celestial bodies in the solar system. Understanding these processes is crucial for our broader understanding of planet formation and evolution.
Editor: Your research has garnered meaningful attention. What implications does this have for future missions to Mars or further explorations of it’s moons?
Jacob Kegerreis: A clearer understanding of the moons’ origins could inform the design of future Mars missions. Knowing that Phobos and Deimos are made from materials resulting from asteroid collisions could influence exploration objectives, such as resource utilization for long-term human colonization. Furthermore,their proximity presents unique opportunities for studies on planetary formation and the history of our solar system.
Editor: For our readers interested in space exploration, what practical advice can you share regarding the importance of understanding celestial bodies like Mars’ moons?
Jacob Kegerreis: I would encourage readers to keep an eye on developments in planetary science. Understanding celestial bodies,their origins,and their potential resources is vital not only for scientific knowledge but also for future space exploration. Engaging with space initiatives and supporting programs that aim to study these fascinating aspects of our solar system can help drive advancements in technology and knowledge.
Editor: Thank you, jacob, for sharing your insights on the origins of Mars’ moons. This research not only enlightens our understanding of these celestial bodies but also opens doors for future exploration possibilities.
Jacob Kegerreis: Thank you for having me. it’s an exciting time in planetary science, and I look forward to seeing how our understanding continues to evolve!