Science!
A pair of items from our newest robotic minion on the Red Planet, the Phoenix: H₂Olink and ClO₄link. (My knowledge of chemistry is appallingly sparse, but my research indicates that "perchlorate" is a designation of a compound's oxidation state; any perchlorate will by necessity be comprised of, among other elements, the compound ClO₄. ClO₃ is a chlorate, no "per-," while ClO₂ is a chlorite. [Emphasis mine.] Perchlorates, chlorates, chlorites. And thus ends, for the nonce, our interest in chemistry and the various combinations of chlorine and oxygen.) Sadly, unlike our plucky rovers Opportunity and Spirit, the Phoenix is not expected to survive the coming Martian winter. We've become slightly spoiled by the unexpected longevity of those intrepid little* rovers ("M2K4" meant Mars 2004 and the Mars Exploration Rovers' mission was intended to last three months. Four and a half years later, both are still plugging along.), but we must not fool ourselves. There is little chance Phoenix will "rise from the ashes" next Martian spring. So, appreciate the interplanetary laboratory's work while you can. I recommend the online resources of both N.A.S.A. and the University of Arizona, N.A.S.A.link and Arizonalink, respectively.

Meanwhile, our European and Russian friends are laying the groundwork for a robotic mission to return samples to Earth from one of Mars's two moons: Phoboslink. So cool.

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day
Barenaked Ladies, "I'll be That Girl" from Stunt (T.L.A.M.)