Register New Player - Log In


FunTrivia Homepage



  • New Questions

  • Unanswered


  • Post a Question
  • Goto Qn #





    Archives

    Footprints left on the moon by Apollo astronauts will last millions of years. How long will the tracks left by the Mars rovers last?

    Question #129431. Asked by unclerick. (Feb 09 13 12:08 PM)


    1nn1

    Tracks Left on the moon will not stay there for as lomg as first expected:

    Mark Robinson, an Arizona State University scientist and the principal investigator of moon walking equipment, said in a news briefing , "They won't be there forever,The moon is constantly bombarded with micrometeorites. These are very, very small particles that impact at very high velocities." There is erosion on the moon.Robinson estimates that these impacts occur at more than 33,000 mph (53,000 kph). These collisions will eventually wear down the tracks and objects left at the landing sites, he explained.
    "Slowly over time, first the tracks will disappear - they will all be ground into and mixed into the soil," Robinson said. "And then, the smaller pieces of equipment will disappear, and eventually the descent stages will get probably blasted with a larger asteroid."
    http://www.space.com/12846-apollo-moon-landing-sites-flags-footprints.html

    It would appear that any footprints on Mars would not last long as the Mars Climate includes wild winds and frequent dust storms:
    "The most dramatic version of Mars weather is the dust storm. They occur frequently because of the temperature gradient on the planet and because the surface is covered in light dust that is easily picked up by wind. Scientist feared that these storms would cover a rover's solar panels, making it impossible for long term study of the planet. Fortunately, the storms are interspersed by wind that simply blows accumulated dust off of the panels".

    http://www.universetoday.com/14941/mars-weather/

    Feb 09 13, 2:42 PM


    Find something useful here? Please help us spread the word about FunTrivia. Recommend this page below!


    Sign up to see all responses!

    Create a Free ID instantly to see all recent responses, post your own follow-ups or questions, and access over 1,000,000 trivia questions!

    Choose a User Name:
    Your Email Address:
    Choose a Password:

    I agree by the terms outlined in FunTrivia's Conditions of Use





    Other Similar Questions & Answers


    How many million of years will the footprints of the Apollo astronauts be there on the moon?

    Since there is no wind or water on the moon,the footprints of the Apollo astronauts will be there for at least--Two Million {Years;Five} Million {Years;Eight} Million {Years;OR} Ten Million Years?

    What gold plated 33-RPM record did the Apollo Astronauts leave behind on the moon?

    Suggested Related FunTrivia Quizzes - 90,000 currently online



    "Ask FunTrivia" is for entertainment purposes only, and answers offered are unverified and unchecked by FunTrivia. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or veracity of ANY statement posted. Feel free to post an updated response if you feel that an answer is inadequate or incorrect. Please thoroughly research items where accuracy is important to you using multiple reliable sources. By accessing our website, you agree to be bound by our terms of service.