Five Firsts for Mars InSight

The InSight mission aims to study Mars' interior, focusing on seismic activity, heat flow, and magnetic fields. It uses a robotic arm to place instruments on the Martian surface, including a seismometer to detect Marsquakes and a heat probe to measure thermal gradients. The mission will also use radio waves to study Mars' rotation and a magnetometer to explore magnetic effects. The goal is to understand the formation and evolution of rocky planets like Earth and Mars.

What is the primary focus of the InSight mission on Mars?

• Mapping the surface

• Exploring the interior of Mars

• Studying the atmosphere

• Searching for signs of life

What is unique about the seismometer used in the InSight mission?

• It is the first to be placed directly on Martian soil

• It measures the temperature of Mars

• It can detect water beneath the surface

• It is used to communicate with Earth

How does the seismometer help in understanding Mars' interior?

• By analyzing the atmosphere

• By detecting Marsquakes and ground motion

• By capturing images of the surface

• By measuring the surface temperature

What does the radio wave instrument measure on Mars?

• The presence of water

• The temperature of the core

• The atmospheric pressure

• The wobble of Mars' rotation axis

What is the purpose of the heat probe in the InSight mission?

• To analyze the atmosphere

• To capture images of the surface

• To dig into the soil and measure heat flow

• To measure the surface temperature

What does the magnetometer on Mars measure?

• The global magnetic field

• The magnetic effects from solar wind interactions

• The temperature of the core

• The presence of water

What is the ultimate goal of the InSight mission?

• To understand the formation and evolution of rocky planets

• To map the surface of Mars

• To find life on Mars

• To study the Martian atmosphere