Abstract
The SuperCam instrument [1,2] onboard Mars2020 disposes of a variety
of active and passive techniques, including passive spectroscopy in the
0.40-0.85 (VIS) and 1.3 to 2.6 microns (IR, [3,4]) wavelength
ranges. Since the landing on Mars of Perseverance in February 2021,
Supercam has acquired numerous observations of its near and distant
environment, exploring the geological and mineralogical context of
Jezero crater. In addition, several measurements were devoted to probing
the atmosphere surrounding the Perseverance rover. The technique of
using sky spectra in passive mode, known as “passive sky”, has already
been demonstrated with ChemCam on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL)
rover [4]. SuperCam provides a superset of the ChemCam capabilities
used in [4], and in particular adds a near-infrared component that
includes absorption and scattering characteristics of key gases and
aerosols/clouds. “Passive sky” measurements have typically been
performed every other week to allow a consistent monitoring of the
seasonal evolution of the main quantities (CO2,
O2, H2O, CO, aerosols/clouds).
Particular attention was given to joint measurements of
O2 and CO, as they appear as key components of the
Martian chemical cycle and have never been measured together at the same
time on the surface of Mars. As the 2 μm wavelength region is used for
the first time at the surface of Mars, it enables the detection of CO
(around 2.35 μm). CO possesses a small absorption that has made it
difficult to identify in SuperCam spectra so far. An overview of
SuperCam’s progress to date in its attempt to characterize the Martian
atmosphere at Jezero will be presented. References : [1] Wiens,
R.C., et al. , 2021. Space Sci Rev 217, 4, [2] Maurice, S., et al.,
2021. Space Sci Rev 217, 47, [3] Royer, C., et al.., 2020. Review of
Scientific Instruments 91, 063105, [4] Fouchet, T., et al., 2021,
Icarus, submitted. [5] McConnochie T. H et al., 2018. Icarus 307,
294
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