NASA | Searching for Mars' Missing Atmosphere

The video discusses the MAVEN mission, which aims to understand the climate history of Mars by studying its atmosphere. Paul Mahaffey from NASA explains how MAVEN uses chemical sensors to analyze atmospheric escape processes and extrapolate past conditions. The mission's instruments, including a quadrupole mass spectrometer, measure variations in chemical composition and respond to solar events. The video highlights Mars as a key location for studying past water presence and potential life-supporting conditions, emphasizing the importance of understanding Mars' ancient atmosphere.

What is the primary goal of the MAVEN mission?

• To take pictures of Mars

• To find life on Mars

• To study the climate history of Mars

• To explore the surface of Mars

What does MAVEN stand for?

• Mars Aerial Vehicle Exploration Network

• Mars Atmospheric Vehicle Exploration Node

• Mars Advanced Vehicle Exploration Network

• Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission

What is the role of the neutral gas and ion mass spectrometer on MAVEN?

• To communicate with Earth

• To capture images of Mars

• To study neutral gases and ions in Mars' upper atmosphere

• To analyze the surface rocks of Mars

Why is Mars considered a significant subject for study in our solar system?

• It has the most moons

• It is the largest planet in the solar system

• It has an atmosphere and evidence of past water

• It is the closest planet to Earth

How does the MAVEN mission help in understanding ancient Mars?

• By drilling into the Martian surface

• By studying current escape processes and extrapolating back

• By analyzing meteorites from Mars

• By sending rovers to explore the surface