A recent study published on Friday revealed that the planet Mars is struck by hundreds of meteorites every year, which is five times more than previously estimated. These impacts occur more frequently on Mars compared to the Moon due to its closer proximity to the main asteroid belt of the Solar System. Additionally, Mars has an atmosphere that is much thinner than Earth’s, providing little protection against meteorite impacts.
The study utilized seismic recordings to accurately determine the frequency of meteorite impacts on Mars. By analyzing the data collected by the SEIS seismograph on Mars, researchers were able to estimate that between 280 and 360 meteorites create craters at least eight meters in diameter on the planet every year. This rate of meteorite impacts is significantly higher than previous estimates based on orbiting spacecraft observations alone.
One of the key advantages of using seismic recordings to study meteorite impacts on Mars is the ability to detect small craters even in areas where sandstorms make it difficult to identify impacts from orbit. By analyzing the acoustic waves generated by meteorite falls, researchers were able to estimate the size and distance of the impact craters from the probe.
The study marks the first time that seismological data has been used to determine the frequency of meteorite impacts on Mars. The findings have important implications for future missions to Mars and provide valuable information for understanding the geological activity on the planet. Overall, the study sheds light on the frequency and impact of meteorites on Mars, highlighting the importance of using multiple data sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the planet’s geology.