The news follows an announcement last week which said this year's ozone hole could grow to be the largest ever. The ozone layer protects Earth inhabitants from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. In addition to the major depletion, NASA also found a mini-hole in the layer between New Zealand and Antarctica on September 17. Scientists believe that a reduction in the use of chlorofluorocarbons, found in some aerosol containers, is turning the tide on the growth of the hole in the ozone layer. But a more significant factor this year is not hair spray, but cold weather.
Ice crystals serve as a perch for chlorine, which destroys the ozone molecules.
The latest plans to bring Mars rocks back to Earth.