The scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration involved in the Phoenix Mars Lander’s mission are closer than ever to one of their main objectives, which is analyzing a sample of Martian ice from the soil.

A photograph released yesterday of one of the dig sites, showed several white patches significantly smaller than how they appeared in the photos taken earlier in the week and also eight other chunks which were no longer present.

“It must be ice,” said Dr. Peter H. Smith of the University of Arizona, who is the mission’s principal investigator, according to the New York Times. “The whole science team thinks this. I think we feel this is definite proof that these are little chunks of icy material,” he added.

The tests prepared to determine the composites of the Martian soil include a heated analysis which turns on the Lander’s ovens at about 350 degrees. The high temperatures are needed in order to make sure that any sort of particle is completely decomposed and the vapors released are ready for the research.

The tests were delayed over the past several days as the team found it difficult to introduce the soil samples scooped with the robotic arm into the Lander’s ovens, as the particles were too big to fit into the Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer. The mission’s activity finally moved on after the idea to release the soil through a sprinkling motion was forwarded.

The main objective for NASA is to determine whether the environment found on Mars could sustain or could have sustained life. Such a conclusion can only be reached after a careful analysis of all compounds found on the terrain. 

The results will soon be released and everyone awaits with great enthusiasm the confirmation of the rumors circling for the past few weeks.