One asteroid strike may explain two mysteries of Mars’ moon Deimos
Computer simulations and images from the Hera spacecraft suggest that a single asteroid impact created both the southern depression and the dusty surface of Mars' moon, Deimos. This study provides new insights into the geological history of Martian moons.
Why it matters
Understanding the formation of planetary moons helps scientists refine models of solar system evolution and supports future space exploration missions.
An international team led by the University of Bern has found evidence that a single asteroid collision may have dramatically reshaped Deimos, the smaller of Mars' two moons. By combining detailed computer simulations with recent images from ESA's Hera spacecraft, the researchers concluded that one impact could account for both the moon's large southern depression and its unusually smooth, dusty surface.
The research is the first scientific study to incorporate observations collected during Hera's flyby of Deimos. The findings could also help guide future missions, including the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission.
Deimos is the smaller and more distant of Mars' two moons. It has a roughly oval shape and a prominent depression near its south pole. Its surface also looks strikingly different from that of Phobos, Mars' other moon.
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