Science and Technology Desk: NASA's Perseverance Rover has surprised scientists again. It recently observed a solar eclipse on Mars. Photographed by Mars' moon Phobos. Scientists consider this to be an extraordinary scientific achievement.

Sun

Phobos is one of the two smaller moons of Mars. Its shape is very unusual. It orbits very close to Mars. Its diameter is only 22.4 km.

Compared to our moon, it can be called a child. Due to its unusual shape and close orbit to Mars, it quickly orbits Mars. As a result, solar eclipses on Mars due to Phobos are very brief and spectacular. Because the shape is not round like our moon.

The Perseverance rover observed the eclipse last September 30. This eclipse occurs when Phobos passes in front of the Sun. It does not cover the Sun like an Earth eclipse. Phobos covers part of the Sun for only a few seconds.

Observations of such eclipses will provide more detailed information about the orbits of Mars' moons and their movements.

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Scientists hope this information will help them better understand the future of Phobos. Presumably, either Phobos is slowly moving towards Mars and may one day hit the Martian surface. In addition, observations of solar eclipses are expected to provide new insights into the geology of the Moon and the characteristics of the Sun's surface, the researchers said.

Source: NASA and Space.com