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Saturday, March 2, 2002 Told Ya (Frozen Water Found) Frozen water found. Credit: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (JPL Press Release) - Initial science data from NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft, which began its mapping mission last week, portend some tantalizing findings by the newest Martian visitor, including possible identification of significant amounts of frozen water. "We are delighted with the quality of data we're seeing," said Dr. Steve Saunders, Odyssey project scientist at JPL. "We'll use it to build on what we've learned from Mars Global Surveyor and other missions. Now we may actually see water rather than guessing where it is or was. And with the thermal images we are able to examine surface geology from a new perspective." "These preliminary Odyssey observations are the 'tip of the iceberg' of the science results that are soon to come, so stay tuned," said Dr. Jim Garvin, lead scientist of the Mars Exploration Program at NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C. New images taken by the thermal emission imaging system show the temperature of the surface at a remarkable level of clarity and detail during both the martian day and night. Odyssey's camera system is studying Mars' surface mineralogy to reveal geologic history. The thermal infrared images are 30 times sharper than previously available images, and the camera's visible-light images will fill a gap in resolution between Viking Orbiter and Mars Global Surveyor pictures. Special thanks to Paul Sulzbacher. (More info: JPL NASA) @ 23:21 EST