Mars' Moon Deimos' Most Detailed Images Captured by UAE's Hope Probe During Recent Flybys

UAE Space Agency's Emirates Mars Mission's (EMM) Hope Probe has captured highly detailed images and observations of Deimos, one of Mars' moons. MailOnline reported that the probe was able to capture images of areas on the far side of the moon that had not been previously examined in great detail.

Additionally, the probe flew closer to Deimos than ever before, coming within 62 miles (100km) of the moon. One of the striking images taken was that of the red planet, which came into view during the probe's closest approach.

Hope Probe's First Exploration of Deimos Provides New Insights Into Its Origins

The EMM has released new and groundbreaking observations of Mars' smaller moon, Deimos. According to Space Ref, this is the first interplanetary exploration undertaken by an Arab nation, and the findings challenge the long-established theory that Mars' moons are captured asteroids.

Instead, the observations point to a planetary origin. The findings were shared during a special session held by the European Geosciences Union General Assembly in Vienna.

The observations provide a new level of insight into Deimos' makeup and structure, including high-resolution images taken during the closest repeated flybys of the moon. Furthermore, the observations include the first ever made in the extreme and far ultraviolet, as well as the first well-resolved hyperspectral data in the thermal infrared.

The observations reveal new regions on the far side of Deimos that have never been compositionally investigated, and the closest flybys saw Hope pass approximately 100km from Deimos.

EMM Science Lead Hessa Al Matroushi said the origins of both Phobos and Deimos are unclear. The observations on Deimos suggest a planetary origin, rather than reflecting the composition of a type D asteroid.

Deimos is less understood compared to Phobos as it is smaller and orbits in a wider orbit that completes every 30 hours. The probe's unique and large orbit around Mars allowed it to study Deimos in high detail while still maintaining its ability to observe Mars' atmospheric dynamics.

About EMM's Hope Probe

The Hope Probe is in a unique position to study Deimos as it orbits Mars at an average distance of 14577.368 miles (23,460 kilometers), as per the New Scientist's report. But this is too high for the orbiter to observe it in detail as they tend to orbit Mars closely to obtain more accurate surface observations.

However, Hope has a wide orbit that allows it to observe vast portions of the Martian atmosphere, making it possible for it to closely engage with Deimos. This positioning has enabled scientists to gather data on Deimos that was unattainable before.

Over the next year, Hope is expected to have multiple near-passes of Deimos, providing more opportunities for scientists to ascertain its origin and composition definitively. By then, it will be easier to identify the moon's particles and elements.

They intend to make use of the burgeoning technology and space exploration tools to get clues to Deimos's long-standing mysteries. The information gathered during these close studies will serve as a resource for future studies of Mars and its moons.

Originally designed for one Martian year, Hope's mission should extend for another Earth year as confirmed by the UAE. This extension gives scientists the extra time required to further investigate the planet, delve deeper into its nuanced complexities and accurately record their results.

It would give them time to explore other questions they may have about Mars and its natural satellites, including the red planet's improbable existence.

Check out more news and information on Mars in Science Times.