...except that it is unlikely that the primary target of a sample return
mission to Mars would be basalt! That is not to say that this isn't an
exciting event. But it does not accomplish what a sample return mission
would, nor does it make such a mission less important.
Jeff
On 1/15/2012 2:43 PM, Galactic Stone & Ironworks wrote:
Hi Shawn and List,
It is true that science has access to dozens(!) of Martian meteorites,
but all of them have been sitting on Earth for thousands of years and
they have experienced alteration and oxidation during that long wait
for discovery. This is the first Martian (or any planetary) that has
a terrestrial age measured in months. That is exciting. It is so
pristine and fresh, that scientists should be very keen to research
it. Due to it's lack of oxidation and alteration, it is the next best
thing to sample recovery mission. Imagine how much it would cost to
bring back a sizeable sample from Mars. Mother Nature just saved
science billions of dollars. :)
Best regards,
MikeG
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