Garni is an
impact crater
An impact crater is a circular depression in the surface of a solid astronomical object formed by the hypervelocity impact of a smaller object. In contrast to volcanic craters, which result from explosion or internal collapse, impact crater ...
on
Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the second-smallest planet in the Solar System, only being larger than Mercury. In the English language, Mars is named for the Roman god of war. Mars is a terrestrial planet with a thin at ...
,
in which, according to
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA ) is an independent agencies of the United States government, independent agency of the US federal government responsible for the civil List of government space agencies, space program ...
, there is evidence of liquid water.
In the press release of its finding on 28 September 2015, NASA considered it "the latest of many breakthroughs" in their Mars exploration.
NASA and the
US Geological Survey
The United States Geological Survey (USGS), formerly simply known as the Geological Survey, is a scientific agency of the United States government. The scientists of the USGS study the landscape of the United States, its natural resources, and ...
named the crater after the
Armenia
Armenia (), , group=pron officially the Republic of Armenia,, is a landlocked country in the Armenian Highlands of Western Asia.The UNbr>classification of world regions places Armenia in Western Asia; the CIA World Factbook , , and ' ...
n village of
Garni
Garni ( hy, Գառնի), is a major village in the Kotayk Province of Armenia. It is known for the nearby classical temple. As of the 2011 census, the population of the village is 6,910.
History
The settlement has an ancient history, and is b ...
. The naming was approved and adopted by the
International Astronomical Union
The International Astronomical Union (IAU; french: link=yes, Union astronomique internationale, UAI) is a nongovernmental organisation with the objective of advancing astronomy in all aspects, including promoting astronomical research, outreac ...
(IAU) on April 24, 2015.
Mineral analysis
According to the NASA press release, "Dark narrow streaks, called 'recurring slope lineae', emanate from the walls of Garni Crater on Mars..."
Researchers, who used a spectrometer of the
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
''Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter'' (MRO) is a spacecraft designed to study the geology and climate of Mars, provide reconnaissance of future landing sites, and relay data from surface missions back to Earth. It was launched on August 12, 2005, an ...
, have found
hydrated minerals on the streaks of the crater. Dark streaks have been developed over the course of time and are believed to be a few hundred meters long.
During a warmer climate, the streaks tend to darken and flow downwards. However, in a cooler climate the streaks begin to fade. Such streaks have been discovered in numerous areas on Mars only when temperatures are above . However, they do not appear at colder times. It is estimated that the hydrated salts may have dropped the liquid brine's freezing point. Scientists believe that it is because of water that these areas of the crater have been darkened.
Garni space astronomy institute and space museum
In Garni Space Astronomy Institute under
Grigor Gurzadyan have been created orbital
Orion 1 and Orion 2 Space Observatories, over 40 Soviets cosmonauts have passed their pre-flight training there. In June 2001 a space museum was opened in the territory of the institute, in
Garni, Armenia. The exhibit, which occurred on the 1700th anniversary of Armenia's adoption of Christianity, was dedicated to that event. In November 2015 the enriched exposition of the Space museum was reopened but in
Yerevan, Armenia
Yerevan ( , , hy, Երևան , sometimes spelled Erevan) is the capital and largest city of Armenia and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Situated along the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the administrative, cultural, and i ...
The museum includes various exhibits associated to the participation of Armenian scientists in space exploration.
See also
*
List of craters on Mars
*
List of places named after Armenia
*
Water on Mars
Almost all water on Mars today exists as ice, though it also exists in small quantities as vapor in the atmosphere. What was thought to be low-volume liquid brines in shallow Martian soil, also called recurrent slope lineae, may be grains of ...
References
External links
The Guardian—Nasa scientists find evidence of flowing water on MarsPlanetary Names: Crater, craters: Garni on MarsGarni Space Astronomy Institute and Space museum's site
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Impact craters on Mars
Coprates quadrangle