The Telltale experiment consists of a light-weight cylinder that will swing out due to wind action. Images taken of the experiment will give information on wind speeds and direction.

The Telltale (approx. 10 cm in height) is designed to work at the low atmospheric pressure on Mars (< 1% of Earths). It will be mounted on top of the meteorological mast and a mirror will help in determining wind directions.

The Phoenix Lander. -click to enlarge-

The Phoenix lander, to be launched August 2007 will land in May 2008 at the north polar region on Mars, where surface wind measurements have never before been undertaken.

The Telltale Assembly. -click to enlarge-

Phoenix will investigate the soil at the landing site, searching for clues on life on Mars. The Telltale is essential for finding the best wind conditions suitable for sample delivery.

The Telltale experiment for the Phoenix lander (http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu) has been developed and built at the Mars Simulation Laboratory, Aarhus University, Denmark (http://www.marslab.dk) in collaboration with researchers from Canada and USA. For further information contact Dr. Per Nørnberg (geopn@phys.au.dk) +45 8942 3804