Exploring the moons of Mars is one of the most exciting and intriguing aspects of space exploration. These two Martian moons, Phobos and Deimos, have captivated astronomers and space enthusiasts for centuries, and much of their mystery still remains. In this article, we’ll explore the phases of these two moons and the methods used to discover their lunar surfaces.
Phases of Martian Moons
The two moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos, have distinct phases that cause both of them to move in different directions. Phobos orbits in a prograde direction, which means it appears to move in the same direction as Mars’ rotation. On the other hand, Deimos orbits in a retrograde direction relative to Mars’ rotation, so it appears to move in the opposite direction. These motions cause the moons to have different phases and can be used to track the positions of these moons from Earth.
In addition to these distinct orbital motions, the two moons also have different sizes and shapes. Phobos is the larger of the two moons, with an average diameter of 13 miles, while Deimos is much smaller with an average diameter of only 7.7 miles. The shapes of the two moons also differ, with Phobos having a more irregular shape than Deimos.
Discovering Martian Lunar Surfaces
It was not until the late 20th century that scientists were able to discover more detailed information about the surfaces of these two moons. The first mission to study the two Martian moons was the Mars Global Surveyor, in 1997. This mission used a series of cameras and sensors to map the surface of Phobos and Deimos and collect data about their surface topography.
The data collected by the Mars Global Surveyor mission was then used to create detailed 3-D models of both of the Martian moons. These models allowed researchers to identify features on the surface of both moons, such as craters, mountains, and other geological formations.
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter also played an important role in discovering the surfaces of the moons. This mission used a high-resolution camera to capture images of both Phobos and Deimos in unprecedented detail. This data was then used to create detailed maps of the moon’s surface, which helped to identify features that were previously unknown.
The exploration of the moons of Mars is an ongoing endeavor and more information is being discovered every day. With the help of new missions and technology, scientists are able to learn more and more about these two mysterious bodies in our solar system. As we learn more about the moons of Mars, we can better understand our own planet and its place in the universe.
