TAG | NASA confirms water on Mars by Phoenix Mars Lander |
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| by William Atkins | |
| Friday, 01 August 2008 | |
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The water was identified on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, when vapors were released after a soil sample was heated. The vapor was identified to contain water. Upon finding water on Mars, lead scientist for the Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA) William Boynton (University of Arizona), stated, “We have water." Boynton added, "We've seen evidence for this water ice before in observations by the Mars Odyssey orbiter and in disappearing chunks observed by Phoenix last month, but this is the first time Martian water has been touched and tasted." NASA also announced that the mission for the Phoenix Mars Lander has been extended for five additional weeks, through September 30, 2008. The spacecraft is said by NASA officials to be in “good shape.” The “enticing results” of the mission so far has also given incentive to extend its mission. For additional information, please read the complete July 31, 2008 news release by NASA at “NASA Spacecraft Confirms Martian Water, Mission Extended.”
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