Meridiani Planum Mineralogy Along Part of the Opportunity Rover Track Based on the Mini-TES Spectrum
2025
Zalewska Natalia | Leszek Czechowski
The research uses data from the Mini-TES infrared spectrometer of an Opportunity rover taken at selected locations along its route in Meridiani Planum on Mars. Using emissivity data, the corresponding mineralogical compositions were calculated. Generally, the results are consistent with previous works, in particular they indicate the widespread occurrence of clay minerals and minerals from basaltic rocks. However, several interesting facts were also noted. Among other things, clear changes in the hematite content were found, suggesting that certain area spherical concretions (known as blueberries) may be devoid of hematite. A similar phenomenon is known from studies of terrestrial concretions. Moreover, the possibility of pyrite existence was found on a certain section of the route. On Earth, pyrite often occurs with economically valuable minerals.
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