The satellite also found local magnetic fields, indicating that Mars once had a global magnetic field like Earth's, shielding it from cosmic rays. Because it worked so long, it was able to track environmental changes through many annual cycles.

"Mars Global Surveyor has generated a tremendous legacy, not only in the discoveries at hand, but also in the future scientific surprises to be discovered from the ongoing analyses," added Michael Meyer.

By David McAlary, Voice of America

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