Question

Mariner 4 and 9 and Viking 1 and 2 probes needed enhanced cameras and wireless communication equipment to take images of Mars's surface and send them back to Earth. According to the video, how did improving our technology lead to new discoveries about Mars?

A. It allowed us to communicate with Martians.
B. It enabled us to discover new Martian life forms.
C. It improved our ability to take images of Mars's surface.
D. It had no impact on our understanding of Mars.

Answer 1

Improved technology led to discoveries about Mars by enhancing the quality of images and facilitating detailed analysis, showing evidence of past liquid water and geological activity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Improving technology, specifically through enhanced cameras and wireless communication equipment on probes such as Mariner 4, Mariner 9, Viking 1, Viking 2, and later missions like the Mars Pathfinder and Mars Global Surveyor, allowed discoveries about Mars.

These improvements led to high-resolution photography of the Martian surface and the detection of minerals and geological features that indicated the historical presence of liquid water. The discovery of features such as gullies and the presence of subsurface hydrogen hinted at frozen water beneath the surface.

Furthermore, advanced technology facilitated detailed analysis of rock formations and mineralogy by rovers like Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity, which confirmed previous data about Mars's watery past.