Museum meteorite scans help prepare for space missions
Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 9:01 pmSee here for report from the NHM.
A meteorite from Mars is a rare thing - even the Natural History Museum's world-class collection has only 13. Scientists are planning robotic missions to Mars to collect more Martian samples. But what is the best way to study these precious objects once they're returned to Earth?
One method is to use CT scanners, and scientists at the Museum are producing incredibly detailed images that are impressing scientists all over the world.
They are working with colleagues at the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency to find the best way to look after and study Martian samples brought back from future missions. Investigating Mars samples will be key to finding out things such as whether there was ever life on Mars.