Mars probe Phoenix digs up first sample of Martian soil (AFP)

A white layer visible where the Phoenix Lander robotic arm scooped away the martian soil. The US Mars probe Phoenix has scooped up its first sample of Martian soil(AFP/HO/File) AFP - Nearly two weeks after its historic landing, the US Mars probe Phoenix has scooped up its first sample of Martian soil and begun analyzing it for water and organic compounds, a NASA official said.