geekosystem

NASA rover Opportunity has found what is described as "the single most powerful piece of evidence for liquid water at Mars," by Steve Squyres, Opportunity's principle investigator. The evidence, announced by researchers yesterday, is a mineral vein, comprised of gypsum that was almost certainly deposited by a water source. Opportunity has been trolling Mars for eight years along with its twin, Spirit, and this recent discovery of a mineral vein around the rim of the massive crater Endeavor is its most exciting discovery to date.

Some scientists are looking at Mars exploration from a different angle, and have created two designs which can only be described as tumbleweed-based.

These spherical machines would be propelled by the carbon-dioxide breezes of Mars. While this method of locomotion lacks precise maneuverability, it makes up for it in speed, distance, and survivability.