The Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini-TES) instrument pointed scientists toward an ancient Martian hydrothermal system like those in Yellowstone National Park.
THEMIS helped scientists find a safe landing site for the Mars Phoenix spacecraft - and the instrument is also giving flight controllers essential data on the atmosphere to ensure a safe touchdown.
Using THEMIS data, scientists have discovered numerous deposits of chloride minerals on Mars. These indicate abundant water in the distant past and suggest a new kind of mineralogy to search for life's ancient traces on the Red Planet.
