MH25a

MH25a is a designation used to refer to a specific sample of Martian regolith collected by the Phoenix Mars Lander. The Phoenix mission, which operated in the polar region of Mars from May to November 2008, aimed to study the Martian soil and subsurface ice. MH25a was one of several samples analyzed by the lander's onboard instruments.

This particular sample was collected from a depth of approximately 5 centimeters below the surface using the lander's robotic arm. The analysis of MH25a was crucial for understanding the chemical composition and mineralogy of the Martian soil in the northern polar region. Instruments such as the Wet Chemistry Lab (WCL) and the Robotic Arm Camera (RAC) were utilized to examine its properties.

Initial findings from the analysis of samples like MH25a indicated the presence of perchlorates, which are salts that can affect the habitability of Mars and the interpretation of organic molecule detection. The discovery of perchlorates was significant because they can act as oxidants, potentially destroying organic compounds, but they can also be a source of energy for potential microbial life. The data gathered from MH25a and other samples provided valuable insights into the potential for past or present life on Mars and informed future mission planning.