| Phobos |
| Phobos is the largest and innnermost of Mars� two moons. It is the moon closest to its planet, more so than any other planet in the solar system. Besides that, it is also one of the smallest moons in the solar system. Phobos is, in Greek mythology, one of the sons of Mars and Venus (Ares and Aphrodite.) It is the root of �fear,� and the root of the word phobia. It was discovered on August 12th, 1877, and photographed in 1971, 1977, and 1988 by Mariner 9, Viking 1, and Phobos in that order. The moon rises in the west, moves quickly across the sky, and sets in the east, most times about twice a day. It is said, because Phobos� orbit is below synchronous altitude tidal forces are lowering its orbit. In approximately 50 million years, it will crash into Mars, so the moon is doomed. Phobos is composed of carbon-rich rock, but the densities of these rocks are so low, they can�t possibly be pure rock. They are more likely to be rock and ice mixed together. The Mars Global Surveyor says that it is covered with a layer of fine dust, about one meter thick. There is a large crater on Phobos named Stinckney, the maiden name of the discoverer's wife. Many scientists believe that Phobos, and Mars� other moon, Deimos, are asteroids captured by Mars. It may be possible that one day, Phobos may be used as a space station to study Mars, becoming even more likely if there is known ice on the planet. Diameter: 22.2 km (27 x 21.6 x 18.8) Mass: 1.08e16 kg Orbit: 9378 km for the center of Mars |