Caltech's Jay Dickson joins the podcast to discuss the formation of gullies on Mars, focusing on the planet's changing axial tilt and the consequences of Martian climate change. Bruce Betts shares updates on space news and highlights the oldest person to ever travel to space. The podcast also explores the presence of ice on Mars and discusses William Shatner's suborbital flight on Blue Origin.
Mars' gullies may have been formed by the changing axial tilt and melting of water ice.
The correlation between gullies and atmospheric pressure changes supports the theory of gullies forming from melting water ice.
Mars' changing obliquity over millions of years has implications for gully formation and provides insights into the planet's geological evolution.
Deep dives
Martian Gullies Formed by Changing Obliquity
Research suggests that Martian gullies may have been formed by the changing axial tilt of the planet over time. The obliquity, or tilt of the rotational axis, has been shown to change by 10 degrees or more over the last few million years. This tilt change could have created conditions for the melting of water ice, leading to the formation of the gullies. The presence of liquid water in the gullies is indicated by their fresh appearance, absence of impact craters on top, and observed changes over time. While the exact mechanisms behind the gully formation are still debated, this research provides new insights into the geological history of Mars and the potential for past liquid water on its surface.
Gullies on Mars and The Changing Climate
Gullies on Mars are a distinctive feature that resemble water-carved channels on Earth. However, the cold and dry conditions on Mars present a challenge to understanding how these gullies formed. Previous hypotheses suggested that frozen carbon dioxide (dry ice) could be responsible. However, recent research proposes that the gullies may have formed due to the melting of water ice during periods of high obliquity, when the tilt of Mars' axis changed dramatically. These periods of high obliquity would have increased atmospheric pressure and allowed for the melting of ice on steep slopes, leading to the creation of gullies. The correlation between the known gullies and the predicted changes in atmospheric pressure supports this theory.
Mars' Climate Change and Gully Formation
Mars has experienced significant climate change due to variations in its obliquity over millions of years. The obliquity, or tilt of Mars' rotational axis, has been shown to change by more than 10 degrees during the past few million years. This changing obliquity has implications for the formation of gullies on Mars. The research suggests that gullies are likely formed during periods of high obliquity, when increased atmospheric pressure allows for the melting of water ice. The location and characteristics of the gullies are consistent with this hypothesis. Understanding Mars' climate history and the factors influencing gully formation provides valuable insights into the geological evolution of the planet.
The Mystery of Martian Gullies
Gullies on Mars have long intrigued scientists due to their resemblance to water-carved channels on Earth. However, the absence of liquid water on Mars' surface has led to debates about the origin of these features. Recent research suggests that gullies may have formed due to the melting of water ice during periods of high obliquity. When Mars' axial tilt changed dramatically, it resulted in increased atmospheric pressure and the potential for melting ice on steep slopes, leading to the creation of gullies. The study highlights the importance of considering Mars' changing climate and obliquity in understanding the formation of geological features on the planet.
Exploring the Formation of Martian Gullies
Martian gullies have posed a mystery to scientists for years, given the planet's cold and arid conditions. Recent research suggests that the changing obliquity of Mars may hold the key to understanding these enigmatic features. The study proposes that gullies formed during periods of high obliquity when conditions allowed for the melting of water ice. The increased atmospheric pressure resulting from the obliquity change would have facilitated the occurrence of liquid water on steep slopes, leading to erosion and the creation of gullies. This research sheds light on the dynamic geological history of Mars and provides insights into the potential presence of liquid water on its surface in the past.
The gullies of Mars may appear similar to water-carved channels on Earth, but their formation is more complex than meets the eye. Caltech's Jay Dickson joins Planetary Radio to discuss the planet’s changing axial tilt and the consequences of Martian climate change. Then Bruce Betts shares the beautiful dance of planets in the upcoming night sky and the reflections of the oldest person to ever travel to space.
