Perseverance Rover Sees Phobos Block the Sun During Martian Solar Eclipse

On 30 September 2024, NASA’s Perseverance rover turned its Mastcam-Z digital camera in direction of the Martian sky, capturing a outstanding view of Phobos, Mars’ small, irregularly formed moon, because it handed in entrance of the Sun in a partial eclipse. This occasion, noticed on what scientists seek advice from as Sol 1285 of the mission, showcased the shadowy define of Phobos—a potato-shaped rock—highlighted in opposition to the Sun’s shiny disk.

A Unique View of Mars’ Potato-Shaped Moon

Unlike Earth’s spherical moon, Phobos has a distinctly irregular type, carefully resembling an asteroid. Spanning about 17 by 14 by 11 miles, it follows a novel, elliptical orbit round Mars at a mere 3,700 miles from its floor. By comparability, Earth’s Moon is almost 239,000 miles away, making Phobos appear extremely near Mars. Its proximity and speedy orbit enable it to circle Mars thrice each day, creating frequent however temporary eclipse alternatives for Martian observers.

Tracing the Origins of Phobos

The origin of Phobos stays a thriller in planetary science. While its look hints at an asteroid, many researchers imagine Mars’ gravity did not seize Phobos however relatively could have fashioned alongside the planet or within the aftermath of a colossal impression occasion. The practically excellent orbit that Phobos maintains round Mars is without doubt one of the important causes scientists have leaned away from the asteroid seize concept, as captured our bodies typically exhibit irregular orbits.

Perseverance’s Continued Observation of Martian Eclipses

This is not the primary time Perseverance has noticed Phobos’ transit. The rover has beforehand photographed comparable eclipses in April 2022 and February 2024. Other Mars rovers, akin to NASA’s Spirit and Opportunity, captured photos of Phobos eclipses in 2004, and Curiosity recorded this occasion in 2019.