cph said:Might ancient mid-latitude Mar's ice be covalently bonded? Would 1-2 billion year old ice have much greater density then, compared to Earth ice? So drilling into Mars' ice, compared to drilling into Earth ice, and measure relative difference in voltage/ampere as a proxy for relative density. Could one bring back a cube of Mars ice, without melting? Also wouldn't such guessed at Mars rock ice sink in water? Would it super cool your drink?
"Mid-latitude Mar's ancient covalent bonded ice" refers to a type of ice that is found at the mid-latitudes of Mars, which are the regions between the equator and the poles. This ice is believed to be ancient, possibly dating back billions of years, and is formed through the bonding of molecules through covalent bonds.
Unlike other forms of ice, such as water ice or carbon dioxide ice (dry ice), "Mid-latitude Mar's ancient covalent bonded ice" is formed through covalent bonding instead of hydrogen bonding. This results in a more stable and dense ice that is less likely to sublimate (turn directly from a solid to a gas).
The discovery of "Mid-latitude Mar's ancient covalent bonded ice" on Mars is significant because it provides evidence of the planet's past climate and potential for sustaining life. This ice is believed to have formed during a time when Mars had a thicker atmosphere and was warmer and wetter, making it a potential location for ancient microbial life.
This ice was discovered using data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) instrument. By analyzing the spectral signatures of the surface, scientists were able to identify the unique signature of covalent bonded ice at the mid-latitudes of Mars.
Potentially, yes. "Mid-latitude Mar's ancient covalent bonded ice" could be a valuable resource for future human missions to Mars, as it could potentially be used as a source of water and fuel. However, more research and exploration is needed to determine the exact composition and accessibility of this ice.