The InSight lander by NASA was supposed be creating a hole so an investigation can calculate the heat emitting out from the interior of Mars. But it has not made much development since work began in February. It had not even concluded burying itself. Finally, it is making some progress. The space organization has disclosed that the probe, dubbed as “the mole,” is lastly digging in earnest due to a new plan. The arm had been obstructed by strangely rough soil, but the group discovered it can get the required friction by having the lander press its robotic arm against the mole.
It is still moving steadily. The mole has dug almost 75% of an inch since last week, and it can dig as deep as 16 Feet. It can be a long, long time before the mole gets to its potential. Nevertheless, it is a big relief to researchers concerned that one of the landers key instruments may be wasted. So long as there are not hard obstacles or rocks below, the mole can shed more light on what is taking place below the surface of Mars.
On a related note, the InSight lander is offering a genuine soundtrack for Mars. The organization has posted a few of recordings from the Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS) that offer a feel for activity on Mars. Two of them are “diplomat” marsquakes, and may be good for trying the bass response of your speakers or headphones. They are steady, low rumbles. They recommend that the crust of Mars is a mixture between the Moon’s and the Earth’s, with seismic events lasting longer than on our planet but much small in length as compared to its lunar neighbor. There is also a hint of how Mars impacts the seismometer itself.
