Mars’ North Polar Ice Is Much Cleaner Than Scientists Thought

Previous research pointed to copious amounts of dust atop the arctic Martian wasteland, but a clearer picture is coming into focus.

Beneath the dusty surface of Mars’ north pole, scientists have uncovered surprisingly clean layers of ice that may preserve a hidden record of the planet’s dramatic climate history. Earth maintains a relatively steady posture in space thanks to the gravitational anchor of a…