Engineering topics

Snyder, Conway W.

Publications and source records attributed to Snyder, Conway W..

4 records

NASA NTRS1992

Mars

The present volume on Mars discusses visual, photographic and polarimetric telescopic observations, spacecraft exploration of Mars, the origin and thermal evolution of Mars, and the bulk composition, mineralogy, and internal structure of the planet. Attention is given to Martian gravity and topography, stress and tectonics on Mars, long-term orbital and spin dynamics of Mars, and Martian geodesy and cartography. Topics addressed include the physical volcanology of Mars, the canyon system on planet, Martian channels and valley networks, and ice in the Martian regolith. Also discussed are Martian aeolian processes, sediments, and features, polar deposits of Mars, dynamics of the Martian atmosphere, and the seasonal behavior of water on Mars.

Kieffer, Hugh H.↗

NASA NTRS1992

The planet Mars - From antiquity to the present

Telescopic observations of Mars, from those of Galileo in 1610 to the late 19th century, were summarized by Flammarion (1892, 1909). Major compilations of knowledge of Mars were produced by Antoniadi (1930) and de Vaucouleurs (1954). Polar cap composition was debated until the discovery by the Viking mission that the north and south perennial polar caps are composed of different materials. Spacecraft data indicate a rich and diverse geologic history as well as many unsolved puzzles. An annotated list of books about Mars is provided. Basic physical and chemical data on Mars are summarized in tabular form, and a guide to the Martian seasons is given.

Kieffer, Hugh H.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Spacecraft exploration of Mars

Soviet and American spacecraft exploration of Mars over the past quarter century is reviewed. Data on the earliest Soviet attempts to send spacecraft to observe the planet are presented. Of the series of spacecraft that were announced (designated Mars 1 to Mars 7), none fulfilled all its scientific goals, but some good photographs and other important data were obtained. Of the six spacecraft in the Mariner series, two failed, but Mariner 4 first revealed the cratered surface of Mars, and Mariner 9 discovered all the major geologic features. The Viking mission, with its two Orbiters, two Landers, and its 6-yr duration, surpassed in quantity and variety of data all other missions combined. The Phobos mission ended in two failures, but the second of the two spacecraft acquired significant new data about Mars and Phobos. An appendix listing special issues of journals containing collections of papers about Mars is provided.

Snyder, Conway W.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Origin and use of Martian nomenclature

The history and construction of Martian place names are examined. The 24 specific descriptor terms in use for Mars are defined. Informal names of individual rocks are discussed: the human fondness for informality is evident in the names attached to individual rocks at the Viking Lander sites.

Russell, Joel F.↗