NASA sources have revealed that Phoenix Mars Lander has recently dug up the soil sample in the Mars, and has delivered the same in many small ovens with it. Earlier, the Phoenix confirmed the existence of ice about four centimeters below the surface. Now, with the latest effort it is looking at a layer about one centimeter above the ice.

 

Now, the Phoenix Mars Lander will do three tests in the soil deposited in the ovens. All three tests will be done in three heating temperature levels, first at 35 degree Celsius to look for ice in the sample, then heating it to 125 degrees to dry out the soil, and finally heating it to 1,000 degrees to determine its composition. Interestingly, the samples have been termed 'Burning Coals.'

 

The Phoenix is in the mission till September. Scientist, Ray Arvidson on the development commented that they want to know the structure and composition of the soil at the surface, at the ice and in-between to help answer questions about the movement of water which may either be in the form of vapor or will be in liquid, i.e. between the icy layer and the surface.