Top 10 science stories of 2008 -- #3: Ice on Mars

In celebration of the approaching New Year, I present a list of the top ten science stories of 2008.  Taken from the vast expanse of all fields of science, they may not be everyone's top ten, but they are among the top news makers and will have repercussions well past the ending days of 2008.

The Red Planet. Credit AP

The probe is called Phoenix.  It took its name from the mythical bird that was supposed to burst into flames and then rise from the ashes to start a new life.  The Phoenix lander has a similar history; because of a low ($420 million) budget, the lander was created from parts salvaged from other vessels.  And this patchwork craft may very well have made one of the most phenomenal discoveries that Mars has to offer.

Launched to investigate the 2002 data from the Odyssey orbiter that suggested there may be ice at the north pole of Mars, Phoenix landed on the Red Planet in May.  In very little time it returned positive results.  Not only were there images that showed the tell-tale signs of cyclic freezing and thawing of water, but the lander was also able to confirm the existence of ice using its on-board data analysis instruments.  Water, of course, is an essential key to life.  Whether or not the existence of ice will shed light onto the every-burning question of life on Mars has yet to be seen.

It was a lucky thing that Phoenix accomplished its task so quickly.  As December rolled around, Mars, too, entered winter and the cold temperatures forced the probe to be shut down.  It is still unknown whether the lander will (or even can after a rough cold season) be turned back on.  We will have to wait for the spring thaw to find out if Phoenix will be reawakened to continue its quest.

Check out the rest of the list here.