Fri Nov 01 03:18:54 UTC 2024: ## Mars Rover Witnesses Phobos Transit: “Googly Eye” Moon Obscures the Sun
**Jezero Crater, Mars (October 1, 2024)** – NASA’s Perseverance rover has captured a stunning image of Phobos, Mars’ larger moon, passing in front of the Sun on September 30th. This celestial event, known as a transit, saw the small, irregularly shaped moon cast a large, black disk across the face of the Sun, creating a “googly eye” appearance, as described by NASA scientists.
The transit was captured by Perseverance’s Mastcam-Z camera, and the event lasted only about 30 seconds due to Phobos’ rapid orbit around Mars. This isn’t the first time a Mars rover has witnessed such a phenomenon. Both the Curiosity and Opportunity rovers have captured similar events in the past, providing valuable data for scientists.
“By comparing the various images,” explained NASA scientists, “we can refine our understanding of the moon’s orbit to learn how it’s changing.” Phobos is gradually getting closer to Mars and is expected to collide with the planet in about 50 million years.
Phobos, discovered in 1877 by American astronomer Asaph Hall, orbits Mars at a distance of only 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles), making it a unique celestial body. It completes an orbit in just 7 hours and 39 minutes, making it the fastest natural satellite in our solar system. Due to its close proximity to Mars, Phobos rises in the west and sets in the east, an unusual phenomenon for moons.
These latest observations from Perseverance continue to provide valuable insights into the Martian system and its evolution. Future transits of Phobos, captured by the rover’s instruments, will allow scientists to further refine their understanding of the moon’s trajectory and its eventual fate.
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