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Asteroid Strike Could Explain The Mysterious Surface Of Mars’ Moon Deimos

The findings could also provide clues about whether Deimos and Phobos are captured asteroids or formed from material ejected from Mars.

,   and  TIPP Staff
2 min read
Martian moon Deimos resembles a potato. A big asteroid strike may have shaped it. Pic via(@CTVNews)

A giant asteroid impact may have dramatically reshaped Deimos, one of Mars’ two small moons, according to a new study published in Nature Astronomy.

Researchers compared close-up observations from the European Space Agency’s Hera mission with computer simulations and found that a single impact could explain Deimos’ large southern crater and unusually smooth, dusty surface.

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The most likely scenario involved an asteroid about 320 metres wide striking Deimos at a 45-degree angle. Researchers estimate the collision spread debris across the moon, creating a global layer of material that may be up to 200 metres thick while leaving its fractured interior intact.

The findings could also provide clues about whether Deimos and Phobos are captured asteroids or formed from material ejected from Mars.

Japan’s MMX mission, expected to reach the Martian moons in 2027, could help resolve the mystery through detailed observations and samples from Phobos.

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tippinsightsTIPP Staff

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