This is the strongest earthquake recorded on another planet.
InSight Station NASA has recorded the most powerful rocket earthquake ever observed. According to Science alert, if such an event occurred on Earth, its magnitude would be five.
This earthquake broke the previous record, then the magnitude of the event was 4.2. The previous record holder was set on August 25, 2021. The new event occurred on May 4 this year, on 1222 sol or Martian mission day.
Read also: InSight station went into safe mode due to a Martian dust storm
A magnitude five earthquake The land would be considered average, causing little damage. But so far it is at the peak of the power of the Mars earthquakes, which scientists have been able to capture at the moment.
Researchers do not yet know what causes earthquakes and where they form, but these events have already aroused the interest of scientists. Since landing on Mars in 2018, InSight has registered more than 1,300 Mars quakes.
Studying seismic waves recorded on Mars, researchers hope to learn more about the crust, mantle and core of the Red Planet. This, in turn, should shed light on how Mars and Earth were formed.
Because earthquakes are not usually as powerful as earthquakes, they are difficult to detect. Other vibrations, such as gusts of wind, can interfere with their fixation. Due to all this, the InSight has a very sensitive seismometer.
At the same time, the device has encountered technical difficulties. Due to the large amount of dust on solar panels, it cannot generate enough energy to conduct research. So far, InSight has entered safe mode. Scientists believe that the station may complete its mission within a year.
Recall, InSight landed on Mars on November 26, 2018. It was assumed that the device will drill Martian soil, but after two years unsuccessful attempts NASA decided to abandon this.
