The Disappearance

Well, it's time for me to "disappear" once again. Those MIBs are relentless! I should be back in about a week, barring any unforseen events. Before I make my exit, I wanted to share these images with you.

Yesterday's landing of the Phoenix probe on Mars was, by any definition, a textbook landing. As the probe swung around the farside of Mars, radio contact was impossible for ten minutes. Everyone at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California held their collective breath as they waited for the probe's signal. On schedule, Phoenix reported its deployment of a braking parachute and the control center exploded with sounds of jubilation - hugs and handshakes throughout the room. More than ten years of work and preparation had ensured the Phoenix's landing on Mars.

Like Earth, Mars' nothern hemisphere is begining its summer. For the next ninety days the Phoenix will have uninterrupted solar power for its systems and experiments. It will work tirelessly for the next three months, scooping and sampling soil for water and, hopely, life. The lander's stereospic camera will relay three-dimensional images of the surrounding terrain in order to help geologists further understand Mars' environment. Studies of Mars' polar region will also be used with studies currently being done on Earth's North Pole.

The results of Phoenix's tests and experiments are expected to be ground-breaking.The images above were sent about one hour after the probe's arrival. More images will be made available at Phoenix's website.