Moessbauer Spectroscopy on the Martian Surface: Constraints on Interpretation of MER Data

Moessbauer spectrometers will be used on martian landers and rovers to identify and quantify relative amounts of Fe-bearing minerals, as well as to determine their Fe(3+)/Fe(2+) ratios, allowing more realistic modeling of martian mineralogy and evolution. However, derivation of mineral modes, Fe(3+)/Fe(2+) ratios, and phase identification via Moessbauer spectroscopy (MS) does have limitations. We discuss here the exciting potential of MS for remote planetary exploration, as well as constraints on interpretation of remote Moessbauer data.