NASA’s InSight Lander Accomplishes Science Goals on Mars as Power Levels Diminish

The Insight mission has been highly successful, surpassing expectations in understanding Mars' interior and weather. The mission deployed a sensitive seismometer, recording over 1300 Mars quakes, which helped scientists study the planet's core, mantle, and crust. Despite challenges with the heat flow probe and dust accumulation on solar panels, innovative solutions like using dirt for cleaning were implemented. As the mission concludes, it leaves a lasting impact on scientific knowledge and personal connections, with data that will be analyzed for years.

What was the primary goal of the Insight mission?

• To explore the surface of Mars

• To understand the formation and evolution of terrestrial planets

• To find evidence of life on Mars

• To study the atmosphere of Mars

How did scientists use Mars quakes to study the planet?

• By observing the quakes from Earth

• By comparing them to earthquakes on Earth

• By analyzing the vibrations to reconstruct the planet's interior

• By measuring the surface temperature

What was one of the challenges faced in measuring heat flow on Mars?

• The data was lost during transmission

• The equipment malfunctioned

• The temperature was too high

• The probe could not reach the desired depth

What innovative method was used to clean the solar panels on the Insight lander?

• Using dirt to blow off the dust

• Using a brush attached to the lander

• Using a chemical solution

• Using water to wash the panels

What is a significant outcome of the Insight mission despite the power challenges?

• It discovered new life forms on Mars

• It provided data that will be studied for decades

• It mapped the entire surface of Mars

• It established a permanent base on Mars