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Vesuvian dirt is used in Europe's recreation of Mars' surface.
Soil from Mount Vesuvius was used to turn a piece of Italy into Mars. This powdery reddish dirt, called pozzolana, has been known since antiquity for its unique properties. Scientists and engineers used it to simulate the surface of the Red Planet in a new test facility commissioned by the European Space Agency (ESA). Around 150 tons of pozzolana were brought from near Naples to fill the main arena of a new test facility commissioned by the European Space Agency (ESA). There, every detail was carefully crafted to recreate the dangers of the Red Planet and the various challenges a rover, called Rosalind Franklin, will face there.
