PLANETARY MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF MARS
Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, serves as Earth's closest analog within the solar system. With a day length of approximately 24.6 hours and a comparable axial tilt to Earth, it represents a key subject for investigating planetary evolution. Its distinctive red hue, attributed to iron oxides, has been documented for centuries. However, modern exploration, commencing with NASA’s Mariner 9 mission in 1971, has unveiled a rich and intricate history. The analysis of Mars' mineralogy and geologic history is pivotal for comprehending planet formation processes, assessing the potential for past life, and planning future human missions. By leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, we can derive enhanced insights from visual and remote sensing datasets, thereby facilitating the identification of minerals on the Martian surface. This methodology significantly contributes to a holistic understanding of the evolutionary trajectory of Mars’ geologic history.
Additional information: Mr. Zhicheng WANG, wangzc22@connect.hku.hk