As well as being able to take photographs, the Mars Curiosity rover has instruments that can measure temperature, atmospheric pressure (this is the ‘push’ of the atmosphere on objects at the planet’s surface) and humidity (the water content of the air).
Data Analysis Activity
The following table gives information about changes in temperature at Gale Crater over a 2-year period, which corresponds to just over 1200 Martian days or ‘sol’. Temperature was measured in units of ˚C (degrees Celsius). Use the information to answer the questions which follow.
| Time (Days) | Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| 0 | -10 |
| 200 | -5 |
| 400 | -22 |
| 600 | -30 |
| 800 | -9 |
| 1000 | -2 |
| 1200 | -25 |
0°C = 32°F
Questions
1
What was the temperature at Gale Crater on Day 200?
°C
2
Was it warmer or colder on Day 400 than Day 200?
3
How much colder was it on Day 1200 than on Day 1000?
° colder
4
Is the temperature of Gale Crater during Mars’ summer time similar to the temperature of a Welsh summer?
yes; summer at Gale Crater is about the same temperature as summer in Wales.
no; summer at Gale Crater is much colder than summer in Wales, when the average daytime temperature would be about + 20 ˚C
no; summer at Gale Crater is a lot warmer than summer in Wales, when the average daytime temperature would be about + 20 ˚C
5
A scientist has asked you to find out the temperature at Gale Crater on Day 0 (when Curiosity first started to take measurements). However, you need to state the temperature in units of Fahrenheit, not Celsius. Use the ‘conversion thermometer’ to find an approximate answer.
approximately°F
6
Given the range of temperatures we can see at Gale Crater, would it be possible for human beings to live there?
Yes, in the exactly same way we live on Earth.
No, it's impossible!
Yes, with suitable accommodation and/or insulated spacesuits.
7
Plot a graph to show how the maximum temperature at Gale Crater changes over time over 1200 Martian days.
