2014 Volume 63 Issue 5 Pages 263-278
Wide-palmed MIMOS II (Miniaturized Mössbauer Spectrometer II) were loaded on two Mars explorer Rovers(Spirit and Opportunity), and have worked successfully for identification of minerals on Mars surface. The MIMOS II are introduced together with the improved MIMOS IIA and an alpha fluorescent X-rays analyzer. Opportunity Rover arrived on the Meridiani planum of Mars in January, 2004, and found Jarosite in Victoria outcrop in March, 2004. Jarosite found is the first chemical evidence that shows the past presence of water on Mars because it contains hydroxide ion(OH−) in the structure. Further, goethite(α-FeOOH) detected in Clovis rocks on Columbia hills by Spirit Rover is also the important evidence of water presented in past. The Mössbauer parameters of Jarosite and the related minerals such as Mikasaite, Yavapaiite, and iron sulfate compounds are discussed herewith the structure and interesting property.
