Bigger and Bolder: The Surprising Truth About Mars’ Meteorite Impact Frequency

Swiss and British scientists have conducted research that reveals Mars experiences more than five times the number of meteorite impacts previously estimated. This is due to the planet’s larger size and proximity to the solar system’s asteroid belt, making it a prime target for large rocks in space. Unlike Earth, Mars has almost no atmosphere to protect it from incoming meteorites.

A team of international scientists from ETH Zurich and Imperial College London used the SEIS seismograph on Mars to study the frequency of meteorite impacts by analyzing their sounds. The research showed that Mars is hit by between 280 and 360 meteorites each year, creating craters at least eight meters deep. This figure is significantly higher than what was initially believed, as smaller impacts are often obscured by sandstorms on the planet.

Professor Domenico Giardini of ETH Zurich emphasizes the importance of this study in planning future missions to Mars, as the planet experiences regular meteorite impacts that leave substantial craters. By incorporating seismological data into their calculations, scientists are gaining a better understanding of the impact frequency on Mars.

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