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The first halogen gas on Mars has been detected, shedding new light on the history of the Red Planet.
The ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter spacecraft detected hydrogen chloride, which is comprised of one hydrogen atom and one chlorine atom.
Gases based on chlorine or sulphur are possible indicators of volcanic activity, which Mars scientists were already looking to discover, but the new find has some strange qualities.
The fact that this particular discovery was made in distant locations at the same time, without any other gases that would be expected from Martian volcanos, means that an unknown process between the surface of the planet and its atmosphere is taking place.
China’s Tianwen-1 spacecraft successfully initiated its orbit around Mars, reports Zhao Lei for state-run media outlet
China Daily. Tianwen-1 entered Mars orbit February 10 just before 8:00 p.m. Beijing time, reports Smriti Mallapaty for
Nature.
The orbiter is carrying a lander and a rover that will attempt to touch down on the planet’s surface in roughly three months with the goal of studying Martian geology, soil and searching for signs of water, according to
Nature. This achievement marks the first time China has traveled to another planet and its successful completion is a key step on the way to China’s ultimate goal of landing on the Red Planet for the first time.
The United Arab Emirates’ Hope probe last night successfully entered Mars’s orbit after a nail-biting journey that could have ended with the spacecraft crashing into the planet or missing it altogether.
The UAE space probe goes into orbit around Mars debka.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from debka.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.