Moessbauer spectroscopy on the surface of mars. Why?

A Moessbauer spectrometer is included in the preliminary payload of a rover to be placed on the surface of Mars in the Soviet to the planet in 1996. In connection with the American planetary program it has also been suggested to construct a Moessbauer spectrometer to be landed on Mars. The objective is to study the iron compounds of the Martian soil and rocks by backscattering Moessbauer spectroscopy. The paper describes the significance of the element iron in the study of the evolution of the planetary system and what we might expect to learn from Moessbauer spectroscopy of the surface materials of Mars. The study of Mars is expected to expand substantially in the coming decades, probably culminating with a manned flight to the planet. The international Moessbauer community may contribute significantly to the preparation of these events. (orig.)