Investigation V

V. Probing Earth and Mars: What should We Pack?

(Finding out temperatures at various landing sites.)

In 1975, NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administrtation, sent 2 satellite probes to Mars. Viking 1 and Viking 2, as they were called, were sent to gather atmospheric and surface weather data. Once they had landed, they were to do soil analyses for signs of life. None were found. In December, 1996, NASA sent a satellite called Pathfinder to Mars for exploration. In July, 1997, Pathfinder sent a probe to the surface that carried a robotic rover called Sojourner, named after the 19th century civil rights leader, Sojourner Truth. Check here more information on Pathfinder.

What if MASA (the Martian Aeronautics and Space Administration) sent spacecraft to the same locations on Earth as the Viking and Pathfinder spacecrafts? What would they find? Use Ocean Temperatures: Dip, Dip Today? At Gopher Menu Click on "Latest SST Map" to answer some of the questions.

Viking 1 landed at 22°N and 28°W.

If Viking 1 landed on Earth at these coordinates of latitude and longitude, where would that be? _____________________________________________

What would the temperature of the surface be at that location on Earth? ______

What might happen to the spacecraft when it lands on Earth? What modifications should MASA make to the landing craft?

_________________________________________________

Would the probe be able to detect life on Earth? ______________ Intelligence? _______________

Explain: ___________________________________

If the spacecraft had humans aboard, how should they dress for extra-vehicle activity - EVA (going outside the ship)? _____________________________

Viking 2 landed at 46°N and 150°E.

If Viking 2 landed on Earth at these coordinates of latitude and longitude, where would that be? _______________________

What would the temperature of the surface be at that location on Earth? ______

Would the probe be able to detect life on Earth? ________

Explain: ___________________________________

Pathfinder landed at 19°N and 33°W.

If Pathfinder landed on Earth at these coordinates of latitude and longitude, where would that be? _______________________

What would the temperature of the surface be at that location on Earth? ______

Would the probe be able to detect life on Earth? ________

Explain: ___________________________________

Why is it that both of the Viking missions and Pathfinder would be water landings if they landed on Earth? ________________________

If the spacecraft had humans aboard, how would they dress for EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity)? What precautions would they have to make? ______________________________________________

Want to be a Martian Sun-Times reporter? Write a story using the facts you have learned in this lesson. Choose one of the styles of reporting that your teacher gave you. Email it to us!

	Viking 1 landed at 22°N and 28°W. If Viking 1 landed on Earth at these coordinates of latitude and longitude, where would that be? _____________________________________________
	What would the temperature of the surface be at that location on Earth? ______
	What might happen to the spacecraft when it lands on Earth? What modifications should MASA make to the landing craft? _________________________________________________
	Would the probe be able to detect life on Earth? ______________ Intelligence? _______________ Explain: ___________________________________
	If the spacecraft had humans aboard, how should they dress for extra-vehicle activity - EVA (going outside the ship)? _____________________________
	Viking 2 landed at 46°N and 150°E. If Viking 2 landed on Earth at these coordinates of latitude and longitude, where would that be? _______________________
	What would the temperature of the surface be at that location on Earth? ______
	Would the probe be able to detect life on Earth? ________ Explain: ___________________________________
	Pathfinder landed at 19°N and 33°W. If Pathfinder landed on Earth at these coordinates of latitude and longitude, where would that be? _______________________
	What would the temperature of the surface be at that location on Earth? ______
	Would the probe be able to detect life on Earth? ________ Explain: ___________________________________
	Why is it that both of the Viking missions and Pathfinder would be water landings if they landed on Earth? ________________________
	If the spacecraft had humans aboard, how would they dress for EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity)? What precautions would they have to make? ______________________________________________