March 15, 2024

This Week in Space 102: A New Volcano on Mars!

59 minutes

Thought you knew all about Mars? Think again. Despite thousands of people poring through thousands of images from a flock of Mars orbiters over the decades, Dr. Pascal Lee and his associates found intriguing features in a region of complex terrain between Mars' Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system, and the western extent of Valles Marineris, the largest canyon. First, he spotted a relict glacier, covered with volcanic ash, and in a single day, realized he'd found a recently active volcano not previously identified--and how was this missed? Pascal will fill us in on the gritty details. This exciting discovery has wide-ranging implications, including the possibility of finding life nearby. Join us for this first-anywhere media reveal of the newest major feature on the Red Planet!

Headline: SpaceX's Starship Test Flight

SpaceX conducted its third test flight of the Starship and Super Heavy launch system, successfully reaching orbital speed but losing both vehicles during re-entry

The Starship reached orbital velocity and performed several test objectives, including a Starlink satellite dispenser demonstration and in-vehicle propellant transfer

The test flight, while not perfect, represents a significant step forward for SpaceX's Mars ambitions, though there is still a long way to go before Starship is ready for crewed missions

Main Topic: Dr. Pascal Lee's Discovery of a Giant Volcano on Mars

Dr. Lee and his team discovered a previously unknown volcano on Mars, measuring 450 km (280 miles) in diameter and rising 9,000 meters above the surrounding terrain

The volcano, located in the Noctis Labyrinthus region near Valles Marineris, has been hiding in plain sight since the Mariner 9 mission in 1971

The discovery was made while studying a nearby glacier, which is likely related to the volcanic activity in the area

The volcano's heavily eroded state suggests a long history of activity, with evidence of recent eruptions and the potential for ongoing activity

The presence of a glacier and potential for residual heat make this site a compelling target in the search for extant life on Mars

Dr. Lee proposes this location as an ideal site for future human exploration, offering access to both ancient and potentially modern life on Mars

The discovery highlights the importance of volcanic regions on Mars for understanding the planet's geological history and potential for harboring life

Dr. Lee and his team have submitted the name "Noctis Mons" for the newly discovered volcano, pending approval from the International Astronomical Union (IAU)

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Pascal Lee

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