It’s official; NASA detects quakes on Mars, called Marsquakes

We have all heard and read about earthquakes and the heavy toll they take on victims. NASA however, has now successfully detected the same on Mars. We can officially (or unofficially) call them Marsquakes. The discovery was made by NASA’s Insight Lander (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport mission). Launched in May last year, the Insight Lander carries some of the most sophisticated and sensitive instruments in order to study the deep interior of the red planet.

Seismic activity on a planet is an important sign that allows scientists to deduce the composition of the planet and study its geology. Moreover, it also sheds light on the circumstances of the formation of rocky planets. Mars is the third celestial body (after Earth and Moon) in which quakes have been recorded. The quakes on the moon, however, are caused by gravitational push-and-pull and heat stresses, since it is geologically inactive.

Geological activity is an important indication of planetary forces that cause the formation of mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, and even result in atmospheric conditions conducive to life. Moreover, given the instruments and timing, quakes also allow scientists to study the formation of rocky planets and improve the understanding of our own world. Understanding the workings of the cosmos has always helped us improve our understanding of our own planet.