The exploration of Mars and its moons, Phobos and Deimos, has long been a subject of intrigue for scientists. The origin of these moons has remained a mystery, but a breakthrough may be on the horizon with the launch of the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft in 2026.
Emelia Branagan-Harris, a researcher at the Natural History Museum in London, highlights the significance of understanding the origins of Phobos and Deimos. By studying how these moons came to be orbiting Mars, scientists hope to gain insights into the evolution and history of the Red Planet.
Two main hypotheses exist regarding the origin of Phobos and Deimos. They could have been captured by Mars as a pair of asteroids that were either conjoined and later separated or closely orbited each other. Alternatively, they could have been created from an asteroid impact on Mars, similar to how Earth’s moon formed.
The MMX spacecraft, equipped with cameras, spectrometers, and a rover, is set to orbit the moons and collect samples from Phobos. These samples will be crucial in determining the origin of the moons. If carbon-rich molecules and water are found, it could support the asteroid capture theory. However, if these elements are absent, further analysis of the samples will be required.
The samples collected will include rock from Phobos’s surface and subsurface layers. By studying the material, scientists can look for signs of past melting and infer whether it originated from a collision with Mars.
Regardless of Phobos’s origin, its proximity to Mars raises the possibility of containing well-preserved samples from Mars’ earlier history. This could provide valuable insights into the planet’s past, especially during periods when liquid water may have been present.
The MMX mission represents a significant step forward in unraveling the mysteries of Mars and its moons. By studying Phobos up close and bringing back samples to Earth for analysis, scientists hope to shed light on the enigmatic origins of these Martian satellites.
