ESA Hera probe data solves mysteries of Mars moon Deimos

An international research team led by the University of Bern has used data from the European Space Agency (ESA) probe Hera to address long-standing mysteries regarding the Martian moon Deimos.

Using high-resolution computer simulations via the Bern Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) software, researchers analyzed the moon's oval shape, its smooth layer of regolith, and a deep depression located near its south pole. The study suggests that a single impact may have been responsible for the southern depression.

These findings come ahead of a scheduled Japanese mission involving German participation set to depart in October to study both Phobos and Deimos.