Event based science that is more timing oriented than location oriented

[darthgently]

If some of the bodies, for example, had periodic volcanic phenomena then taking a surface sample from an active lava flow would be distinct from that biome's normal surface sample.  Getting a surface sample of one of the Vall's ice volcanos while it is erupting should be distinct from when it is quiescent.  Laythe's oceans could have different biomes in it with seasonal currents and science could be done to map these currents over time with the particular ocean biome having distinct science experiments by season or changes in currents.  Comets could have 2 or 3 different timing phases with distinct science based on its proximity to the Sun given how strong the effect on the tail and other measurements that proximity to the Sun has on a comet.

Finally, even "normal" science should be repeatable for points after some time as that is how real science works.  Surface samples 100 years apart on a dynamic body like Laythe, Eve, or Duna are not going to be the same even if from the same spot and that subtle differences that emerge between the first and second sample from the same area are exactly what scientists like look at for hints at weathering effects, seasonal effects etc.   And we need a core sample experiment that goes deeper than a mere surface sample (and require some advanced machinery) which would never work at all on Duna to be true to our experience on Mars so far.  If tried on Duna the message should be "You've hit some really hard rock a few centimeters down.  Hammering at it for days is probably not going make it work any better".  But perhaps the Duna attempt could return a consolation scrap of science measuring the astounding Rockwell hardness value of the "dunicrust" just beneath the sand.

I realize that "seasons" wouldn't be defined by axial tilt in the stock system, but there are other variables like orbit eccentricity, and within the Jool system, Jool/Sun eclipses, etc.

Edited August 31, 2021 by darthgently

[Mr.dobsonian]

Yeah I like this idea, I also feel like it would be good for experiments to take a lot more time to gather all the data.

[darthgently]

1 hour ago, Mr.dobsonian said:

Yeah I like this idea, I also feel like it would be good for experiments to take a lot more time to gather all the data.

Or at least the more time spent would lead to a larger data set which would be worth more points maybe

[darthgently]

Well, the Duna hardpan wrinkle concept has a new wrinkle.  Yay NASA and associated teams

https://www.engadget.com/nasa-confirms-that-perseverance-successfully-cored-its-first-rock-153007472.html

[Kerb24]

This would make timing and location more important for landings. I like this idea.