Question

Use the table below to answer questions 16-19. The table includes data collected by Mars Pathfinder on the third Sol, or Martian day, of operation. $$ \begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|} \hline \multicolumn{3}{|c|}{\text { Sol 3 Temperature Data from Mars Pathfinder }} \\ \hline \text { Proportion of Sol } & \multicolumn{3}{|c|}{\text { Temperature }\left({ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right)} \\ \hline & \begin{array}{c} \mathbf{1 . 0} \mathbf{~ m} \\ \text { above } \\ \text { surface } \end{array} & \begin{array}{c} \mathbf{0 . 5} \mathbf{~ m} \\ \text { above } \\ \text { surface } \end{array} & \begin{array}{c} \mathbf{0 . 2 5} \mathbf{~ m} \\ \text { above } \\ \text { surface } \end{array} \\ \hline 3.07 & -70.4 & -70.7 & -73.4 \\ \hline 3.23 & -74.4 & -74.9 & -75.9 \\ \hline 3.33 & -53.0 & -51.9 & -46.7 \\ \hline 3.51 & -22.3 & -19.2 & -15.7 \\ \hline 3.60 & -15.1 & -12.5 & -8.9 \\ \hline 3.70 & -26.1 & -25.7 & -24.0 \\ \hline 3.92 & -63.9 & -64.5 & -65.8 \\ \hline \end{array} $$ Which proportion of sol value corresponds to the coldest temperatures at all three heights?

Short answer

The proportion of Sol value with the coldest temperatures at all heights is 3.23.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Table

The table provides temperature data for different heights above the Martian surface at various proportions of Sol 3. We have to determine which proportion of Sol records the coldest temperatures at all three measured heights.

Identify Coldest Temperatures per Height

For each height (1.0 m, 0.5 m, and 0.25 m above the surface), we identify the lowest temperature recorded in the table. - For 1.0 m: The lowest temperature is -74.4°C recorded at proportion 3.23. - For 0.5 m: The lowest temperature is -74.9°C recorded at proportion 3.23. - For 0.25 m: The lowest temperature is -75.9°C recorded at proportion 3.23.

Match Proportion for Coldest Temperatures

From Step 2, we have identified that the coldest temperatures at all three heights occur at proportion 3.23. Hence, 3.23 corresponds to the coldest temperatures recorded for all heights.

Key concepts

Martian temperature data

Mars Pathfinder was a pioneering mission designed to gather a myriad of data from the Martian surface, including surface temperatures. Collecting this data on Mars allows scientists to understand the planet's climate and environment. One of the critical sets of data collected is temperature readings taken at different times of the Martian day, known as "sol."
Understanding Martian temperature data helps scientists analyze the conditions that robotic equipment and potential future human missions may face. This data can indicate variations in daily temperature ranges and allow researchers to draw comparisons between the Martian climate and Earth's. Additionally, it provides invaluable insight into seasonal changes, atmospheric pressure, and the behavior of dust storms, which are prevalent on the Red Planet.
Main Points about Martian Temperature Data:

• Enables understanding of daily and seasonal Martian weather patterns.
• Crucial for robotic equipment operation and future human missions.
• Helps compare Martian and Earth climates to assess habitability.

Sol 3

In Martian terms, a "sol" refers to a Martian day, which is slightly longer than an Earth day, lasting about 24 hours and 39 minutes. Sol 3 marks the third day of Mars Pathfinder's operation on the Martian surface.
During Sol 3, the Mars Pathfinder collected a range of temperature readings from the surface, which were pivotal in analyzing the Martian climate's consistency and fluctuations. Each sol provides a unique snapshot of conditions on Mars, which scientists use to construct a broader understanding of the planet's daily and seasonal cycles.
Key Takeaways about Sol 3:

• Marks the third operational day for Mars Pathfinder on Mars.
• Provides temperature data crucial for understanding Martian weather.
• Contributes to mapping daily and seasonal temperature variations on Mars.

Surface temperature readings

Surface temperature readings are essential measurements that help assess the Martian climate. On Sol 3, these readings were particularly interesting because they were taken at different heights above the Martian surface. This multi-height approach provided a more comprehensive view of temperature variations throughout the day.
Temperature readings can show how surface features, like dust and soil composition, impact the temperature. They also help identify how quickly the surface heats up and cools down, which is crucial for understanding thermal properties and volcanic activity.
Advantages of Surface Temperature Readings:

• Reveal patterns of warming and cooling on Mars' surface.
• Help analyze the thermal properties of Martian soil and atmosphere.
• Crucial for determining environmental suitability for future exploration missions.

Temperature measurement heights

The Mars Pathfinder's study of Martian temperatures on Sol 3 involved measuring temperatures at three distinct heights above the surface: 1.0 meters, 0.5 meters, and 0.25 meters. Each height provides a different perspective of the Martian atmosphere and surface conditions.
By measuring the temperature at multiple heights, scientists can identify variations caused by the interaction between surface conditions and atmospheric changes. This stratified approach reveals how temperature gradients develop vertically, reflecting the unique atmospheric dynamics of Mars compared to those on Earth.
Benefits of Temperature Measurement Heights:

• Allows evaluation of temperature variations with altitude.
• Helps understand the influence of surface and atmospheric interactions.
• Facilitates comparisons with Earth's atmospheric patterns.