Deimos

Deimos is the smaller and outermost of the two natural satellites of the planet Mars. It was discovered by Asaph Hall on August 12, 1877, at the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., at about the same time he discovered Phobos, the other Martian moon.

Physical Characteristics

Deimos is composed of rich carbonaceous chondrite material, similar to C-type asteroids. It has a mean radius of approximately 6.2 kilometers, making it one of the smallest known moons in the Solar System. The surface of Deimos is heavily cratered and covered with a thick layer of regolith.

Orbit and Rotation

Deimos orbits Mars at a distance of about 23,460 kilometers, which is significantly farther than Phobos. It takes approximately 30.3 hours to complete one orbit around Mars. Unlike Phobos, Deimos has a nearly circular orbit and is gradually moving away from Mars due to tidal forces.

Exploration

Deimos has been observed by several spacecraft, including the Mariner 9, Viking 1 and 2, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. These missions have provided detailed images and data about the moon's surface and composition.

Origin

The origin of Deimos, like Phobos, is still a subject of scientific debate. One theory suggests that Deimos may be a captured asteroid from the asteroid belt, while another theory proposes that it formed from debris ejected by a large impact on Mars.

Future Missions

Future missions to Deimos are being considered to further study its composition and potential as a resource for future Mars colonization efforts. These missions could provide valuable insights into the history of the Martian system and the processes that shaped it.

See Also

• Phobos (moon)
• Mars
• Asteroid belt
• Solar System
• Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter