Mars, known for its harsh environment with temperatures as low as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a thin atmosphere comprising only 1% of Earth’s density, presents challenges for measuring wind speeds. Previous methods included using landers to capture measurements of wind speeds by gauging the cooling rate of heated materials and observing tell-tales that blow in the wind. As plans to send astronauts to Mars continue to unfold, there is a need for improved methods for measuring wind speeds on the red planet.
A recent study published in JASA by researchers from Canada and the U.S. introduced a novel sonic anemometric system that utilizes a pair of narrowband piezoelectric transducers to measure the travel time of sound pulses through Martian air. This system takes into account variables such as transducer diffraction effects and wind direction, allowing for accurate measurement of wind in three dimensions. One of the key advantages of this method is its speed and effectiveness in measuring low wind speeds, which was not achievable with previous techniques.
The researchers aim to measure up to 100 wind speeds per second and track speeds as low as 1 cm/s, a significant improvement over previous methods that could register only about 1 wind speed per second and struggled with speeds below 50 cm/s. By measuring quickly and accurately, the researchers hope to provide valuable data on mean winds, turbulence, and fluctuating winds on Mars. This could be beneficial for understanding atmospheric variables that could impact future missions, such as the recent flight of the Ingenuity helicopter on Mars.
In their study, the researchers assessed ultrasonic transducers and sensors over a wide range of temperatures and within a narrow range of pressures in carbon dioxide, the primary atmospheric gas on Mars. They demonstrated that the system would incur only nominal error rates from temperature and pressure changes. The proposed system is expected to be 10 times faster and more accurate than previous methods, potentially providing valuable data for future missions to Mars and contributing to a better understanding of the Martian climate.
As advancements in technology continue and plans for exploration of Mars evolve, having a reliable and efficient method of measuring wind speeds on the red planet will be crucial. The new sonic anemometric system developed by the researchers offers a promising solution to this challenge, with the potential to provide more valuable data on Martian climate and atmospheric conditions. By improving our understanding of the Martian environment, we may also gain insights that could help us better understand Earth’s climate and atmospheric dynamics.
