Mysterious hole appears on surface of Mars. What's hiding in there? Aliens?

A mysterious hole was captured on the surface of Mars by the High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera of NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) which left scientists wondering what lies beneath it.

The mysterious hole is located in the Arsia Mons region and has raised several questions regarding its origin and what it must be hiding.

Arsia Mons is among the trio of dormant volcanoes which clearly hints at the area having a history of volcanic activities. The pit is just a few meters across and is located in the Arsia Mons region of Mars.

Here's what scientists have speculated about the Martian hole

Amongst various speculations, one of the main theories suggest that the hole can be a skylight into an underground lava tube. This theory has been built on the fact that similar formations have been seen on Earth in volcanic regions like Hawaii.

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Such types of skylights are formed when a lava tube's roof collapses and creates an opening. If what is being speculated is actually the reality, then lava tubes can become natural shelters for future astronauts, while giving them protection from harsh surface conditions like radiation, temperature extremes, and dust storms.

It is likely that the lava tubes created on the Martian surface are more extensive because of the lower gravity of the planet which offers large and stable environments that is suitable for long-term habitation.

There is also a possibility that the hole is just a pit which has been formed by tectonic or volcanic processes. Such pits are commonly found on Earth and are created after the ground, which is above a void created by volcanic activity, collapses.

However, scientists have till now not determined what is the exact nature of the mysterious hole on the Martian surface.

Lava tube - a habitat of aliens?

It is important to understand the nature of such formations on the surface of Mars for future human exploration.

If the hole actually goes to a lava tube then it has the possibility of becoming an ideal habitable zone.

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Lava tubes have a stable environment which can shelter inhabitants from the extreme conditions of the planet.

Since there is lower gravity on Mars, there is a chance that the lava tubes are much larger on the Red Planet in comparison to Earth.

This makes these lava tubes more suitable for human habitation. Larger lava tubes are likely to give expansive and stable environments which can be best for constructing permanent bases.

They can also provide suitable environments for agriculture and even support lifesystems which are important for long-term human presence on Mars.

(With inputs from agencies)