Water on Mars: Mars may have hosted life for much longer than once believed, according to scientists. How much longer? Its habitable period might actually have been longer by millions of years.

<h2>Water on Mars</h2>

In its ancient past, Mars boasted oceans, lakes, and rivers, painting a picture reminiscent of early Earth during the solar system's infancy.

As per estimates, the gradually changing climate rendered the red planet barren, as we know it today.

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Competing theories exist regarding the disappearance of Martian water. Some propose it evaporated into space as the planet's atmosphere thinned, while others suggest it became trapped within the planet's crust, forming an icy permafrost layer.

Traditionally, scientists thought Mars lost its water during the Hesperian period, about 3.7 to 2.9 billion years ago. However, recent findings propose water may have persisted until the late Hesperian period.

However, a research team by the UK's Imperial College has now found signs that water was abundant in a 154&nbsp;km-diameter basin just south of Mars' equator called Gale Crater. According to them, Mars had water "long after the planet was thought to have become dry and inhospitable."

<h2>Why does water on Mars matter?</h2>

The findings, as per the researchers, "have implications for our understanding of Mars' changing climate, as well as where we now look for signs of habitability."&nbsp;

Using data from the Curiosity rover's exploration, researchers spotted deformed layers in Mars' desert sandstone, which they say "could only have been formed by water".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-curiosity-rover-finds-evidence-mars-was-once-a-planet-of-rivers-651444">Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers'</a>

Dr Steven Banham, the lead author of the study&nbsp;published in Geology, noted that "the sandstone revealed that water was probably abundant more recently, and for longer than previously thought—but by which process did the water leave these clues? "

"This water might have been pressurised liquid, forced into and deforming the sediment; frozen, with the repeat freezing and thawing process causing the deformation; or briny, and subject to large temperature swings."

"What's clear is that behind each of these potential ways to deform this sandstone, water is the common link," he noted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Water on Mars: Mars may have hosted life for much longer than once believed, according to scientists. How much longer? Its habitable period might actually have been longer by millions of years.

Water on Mars: Mars may have hosted life for much longer than once believed, according to scientists. How much longer? Its habitable period might actually have been longer by millions of years. Water on Mars In its ancient past, Mars boasted oceans, lakes, and rivers, painting a picture reminiscent of early Earth during the solar system's infancy. As per estimates, the gradually changing climate rendered the red planet barren, as we know it today. Also read | ‘Martians wanted’: NASA is looking for volunteers to live in a Mars simulator for a year Competing theories exist regarding the disappearance of Martian water. Some propose it evaporated into space as the planet's atmosphere thinned, while others suggest it became trapped within the planet's crust, forming an icy permafrost layer. Traditionally, scientists thought Mars lost its water during the Hesperian period, about 3.7 to 2.9 billion years ago. However, recent findings propose water may have persisted until the late Hesperian period. However, a research team by the UK's Imperial College has now found signs that water was abundant in a 154 km-diameter basin just south of Mars' equator called Gale Crater. According to them, Mars had water "long after the planet was thought to have become dry and inhospitable." Why does water on Mars matter? The findings, as per the researchers, "have implications for our understanding of Mars' changing climate, as well as where we now look for signs of habitability." Using data from the Curiosity rover's exploration, researchers spotted deformed layers in Mars' desert sandstone, which they say "could only have been formed by water". Also read | Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers' Dr Steven Banham, the lead author of the study published in Geology, noted that "the sandstone revealed that water was probably abundant more recently, and for longer than previously thought—but by which process did the water leave these clues? " "This water might have been pressurised liquid, forced into and deforming the sediment; frozen, with the repeat freezing and thawing process causing the deformation; or briny, and subject to large temperature swings." "What's clear is that behind each of these potential ways to deform this sandstone, water is the common link," he noted. (With inputs from agencies)

Mars may have hosted life for millions of years longer than previously thought

A rock resembling the logo from Star Trek was discovered by NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars. NASA's long-running Curiosity captured the image of a Mars rock that looks similar to the iconic delta-shaped Starfleet emblem that officers wear on their uniforms in the sci-fi series.

A rock resembling the logo from Star Trek was discovered by NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars. NASA's long-running Curiosity captured the image of a Mars rock that looks similar to the iconic delta-shaped Starfleet emblem that officers wear on their uniforms in the sci-fi series. While it is illogical to say that a Starfleet landing party walked near Curiosity's roving grounds, Star Trek fans are thrilled to see the symbol on the Red Planet's surface. An amateur astronomer, Stuart Atkinson, spotted the Star Trek symbol and joked about it on X. He wrote, "I bet the Star Trek fans on the @MarsCuriosity team smiled like Cheshire Cats when they saw this new image appear on their screens." To this, an X user replied, "This must be their head office in mars.." ALSO READ | Rhesus monkey cloned using new technique different from what was used for Dolly the sheep NASA's Curiosity rover has been on Mars since 2012 and continues to capture and investigate the life there. Currently, it is climbing a mountain nicknamed Mount Sharp (Aeolis Mons) as part of a mission to analyse the layers entrenched in it to know how water flowed on Mars several years ago. In September 2023, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory officials said, "Different layers of Mount Sharp represent different eras of Martian history. As Curiosity ascends, scientists learn more about how the landscape changed over time." The statement added that the rover was in a sulphate-packed zone, which might be "the highest elevation layer it will ever visit." ALSO READ | Chinese startup develops coin-sized nuclear battery that can last up to ‘50 years without charging’ According to the mission's blog, the rover captured the image of the Starfleet symbol when it was about to do "contact science on a flat block of dark-toned bedrock." The blog stated that one of its goals is to study the "composition and texture of the dark bands we've been observing from orbit" using various instruments. After the Curiosity rover's success at the Gale Crater, NASA sent a follow-up rover mission, named Perseverance, to the Jezero Crater on Mars in 2020. Perseverance aims to hunt for evidence of ancient life on the Red Planet. NASA also aims to launch another mission to bring the caches of rocks collected by Perseverance. However, funding and technology have pushed the expected return date to 2031. (With inputs from agencies)

Mars rock resembling iconic Star Trek symbol snapped by NASA’s Curiosity rover

NASA's Curiosity Rover has clocked a historic milestone by spending 4,000 Martian days exploring the red planet.

The car-sized rover reached Mars on 6 August 2012, and has been on the barren planet ever since, "busy conducting exciting science".

<h2>'Staying strong'</h2>

Celebrating the 11-year-long journey, NASA on its website wrote: "The mission team is making sure the robotic scientist, now in its fourth extended mission, is staying strong, despite wear and tear from its 11-year journey."

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The rover, which at the time of its launch was the largest and the most advanced rover ever sent to Mars, aimed to determine if the alien planet was ever able to support microbial life.

<h2>Curiosity Rover's achievements</h2>

The rover's samples have helped scientists establish that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water.

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Just last month, this exciting find was published by researchers in the journal 'Geophysical Research Letters'.

"We're finding evidence that Mars was likely a planet of rivers," said the research's lead author, Benjamin Cardenas, a geoscientist at Penn State University, at the time.

Slowly ascending the 3-mile-tall (5-kilometer-tall) Mount Sharp, Curiosity has helped us know a lot about Mars. Mount Sharp, the tall geological structure, as per NASA, is composed of many layers that formed during different parts of Martian history.

Recently, the resilient rover collected a sample from its target, nicknamed 'Sequoia'. This sample will help "reveal more about how the climate and habitability of Mars evolved as this region became enriched in sulfates – minerals that likely formed in salty water that was evaporating as Mars first began drying up billions of years ago".

Eventually, the planet's water disappeared. Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity’s project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, said: "The types of sulfate and carbonate minerals that Curiosity’s instruments have identified in the last year help us understand what Mars was like so long ago. We've been anticipating these results for decades, and now Sequoia will tell us even more."

"Curiosity remains strong," says NASA.

During its 4,000-plus day or 11-year-long journey, the rover has driven almost 20 miles (32 kilometres) through Mars' "punishingly cold environment bathed in dust and radiation".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Curiosity Rover has clocked a historic milestone by spending 4,000 Martian days exploring the red planet. The car-sized rover reached Mars on 6 August 2012, and has been on the barren planet ever since, "busy conducting exciting science".

NASA's Curiosity Rover has clocked a historic milestone by spending 4,000 Martian days exploring the red planet. The car-sized rover reached Mars on 6 August 2012, and has been on the barren planet ever since, "busy conducting exciting science". 'Staying strong' Celebrating the 11-year-long journey, NASA on its website wrote: "The mission team is making sure the robotic scientist, now in its fourth extended mission, is staying strong, despite wear and tear from its 11-year journey." Also read | Where exactly on Mars should humans go? NASA scientists release a map The rover, which at the time of its launch was the largest and the most advanced rover ever sent to Mars, aimed to determine if the alien planet was ever able to support microbial life. Curiosity Rover's achievements The rover's samples have helped scientists establish that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water. Also read | Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers' Just last month, this exciting find was published by researchers in the journal 'Geophysical Research Letters'. "We're finding evidence that Mars was likely a planet of rivers," said the research's lead author, Benjamin Cardenas, a geoscientist at Penn State University, at the time. Slowly ascending the 3-mile-tall (5-kilometer-tall) Mount Sharp, Curiosity has helped us know a lot about Mars. Mount Sharp, the tall geological structure, as per NASA, is composed of many layers that formed during different parts of Martian history. Recently, the resilient rover collected a sample from its target, nicknamed 'Sequoia'. This sample will help "reveal more about how the climate and habitability of Mars evolved as this region became enriched in sulfates – minerals that likely formed in salty water that was evaporating as Mars first began drying up billions of years ago". Eventually, the planet's water disappeared. Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity’s project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, said: "The types of sulfate and carbonate minerals that Curiosity’s instruments have identified in the last year help us understand what Mars was like so long ago. We've been anticipating these results for decades, and now Sequoia will tell us even more." "Curiosity remains strong," says NASA. During its 4,000-plus day or 11-year-long journey, the rover has driven almost 20 miles (32 kilometres) through Mars' "punishingly cold environment bathed in dust and radiation". (With inputs from agencies)

'Curiosity remains strong': Curiosity rover clocks 4,000 days in Mars' 'punishingly cold environment'

Mars is a fascinating, exotic territory yet to be properly explored by humanity. While we have sent rovers to the red planet, humans are yet to set foot on the alien land.&nbsp;

Planned future missions to find water ice on the planet aim to rectify that. However, a question that remains to be answered is where exactly on the red planet should they land to do this? A recent map might help mission planners answer this question.

<h2>A treasure map to Mars' water ice</h2>

The Subsurface Water Ice Mapping (SWIM), a NASA-funded project, has released its fourth and the more recent map of the prospective locations of subsurface water ice on Mars. This, as per NASA officials, will help mission planners decide where exactly to send the first humans to Mars.

<img alt="NASA mars ice map" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="57296e9a-4e8a-4f80-8969-fde1b2cd3d8d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20%2834%29.jpg" />

<h5>The blue areas on this map of Mars are regions where NASA missions have detected subsurface water ice (from the equator to 60 degrees north latitude). Scientists can use the map-part of the Subsurface Water Ice Mapping project to decide where the first astronauts to set foot on the Red Planet should land. (Image source:&nbsp;NASA/JPL-Caltech/Planetary Science&nbsp;Institute)</h5>

For this map, scientists used data from instruments abroad in the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. These instruments — Context Camera (CTX) and High Resolution Imaging Experiment (HIRISE) — provided high resolution imagery of the Martian terrain, reports Science Alert.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-curiosity-rover-finds-evidence-mars-was-once-a-planet-of-rivers-651444">Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers'</a>

<h2>Why is this important?</h2>

To put it simply, "The map could help the agency decide where the first astronauts to the Red Planet should land. The more available water, the less missions will need to bring."

As per a statement on the NASA website, ice buried on Mars will be a vital source for humans on Mars, serving both as drinking water and a key ingredient for rocket fuel.

Furthermore, these prospective locations of buried ice could one day help us know more about the red planet. Astronauts or robots could drill ice cores, that could help uncover "the climate history of Mars and exploring potential habitats (past or present) for microbial life."

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While locations with buried ice may be the best locations for landing humans on Mars, scientists don't want astronauts to go to locations that are too chilly. This is because cold will lead to the crew using up "precious energy" to stay warm.

"If you send humans to Mars, you want to get them as close to the equator as you can," said Sydney Do, SWIM's project manager, said in a statement. Hence, as per Sydney, an ideal spot would be a patch that has accessible ice but with as low a latitude as possible. Martian ice maps will help navigate this dilemma and decide on the apt location for human landing.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Mars is a fascinating, exotic territory yet to be properly explored by humanity. While we have sent rovers to the red planet, humans are yet to set foot on the alien land.

Mars is a fascinating, exotic territory yet to be properly explored by humanity. While we have sent rovers to the red planet, humans are yet to set foot on the alien land. Planned future missions to find water ice on the planet aim to rectify that. However, a question that remains to be answered is where exactly on the red planet should they land to do this? A recent map might help mission planners answer this question. A treasure map to Mars' water ice The Subsurface Water Ice Mapping (SWIM), a NASA-funded project, has released its fourth and the more recent map of the prospective locations of subsurface water ice on Mars. This, as per NASA officials, will help mission planners decide where exactly to send the first humans to Mars. The blue areas on this map of Mars are regions where NASA missions have detected subsurface water ice (from the equator to 60 degrees north latitude). Scientists can use the map-part of the Subsurface Water Ice Mapping project to decide where the first astronauts to set foot on the Red Planet should land. (Image source: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Planetary Science Institute) For this map, scientists used data from instruments abroad in the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. These instruments — Context Camera (CTX) and High Resolution Imaging Experiment (HIRISE) — provided high resolution imagery of the Martian terrain, reports Science Alert. Also read | Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers' Why is this important? To put it simply, "The map could help the agency decide where the first astronauts to the Red Planet should land. The more available water, the less missions will need to bring." As per a statement on the NASA website, ice buried on Mars will be a vital source for humans on Mars, serving both as drinking water and a key ingredient for rocket fuel. Furthermore, these prospective locations of buried ice could one day help us know more about the red planet. Astronauts or robots could drill ice cores, that could help uncover "the climate history of Mars and exploring potential habitats (past or present) for microbial life." Also read | A two-kilometre-tall 'dust devil' has been caught on camera, but not on Earth While locations with buried ice may be the best locations for landing humans on Mars, scientists don't want astronauts to go to locations that are too chilly. This is because cold will lead to the crew using up "precious energy" to stay warm. "If you send humans to Mars, you want to get them as close to the equator as you can," said Sydney Do, SWIM's project manager, said in a statement. Hence, as per Sydney, an ideal spot would be a patch that has accessible ice but with as low a latitude as possible. Martian ice maps will help navigate this dilemma and decide on the apt location for human landing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Where exactly on Mars should humans go? NASA scientists release a map

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has found more evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars… once upon a time.&nbsp;

A team of researchers examining data collected by NASA's curiosity has deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water. They have published their findings&nbsp;in Geophysical Research Letters.

<h2>'Planet of rivers'</h2>

"We're finding evidence that Mars was likely a planet of rivers," said the research's lead author, Benjamin Cardenas, a geoscientist at Penn State University.

Cardenas and his team reached this conclusion after analysing a combination of images from the Curiosity rover, scans of sedimentary rock beneath the Gulf of Mexico on Earth and several computer simulations.

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Using these, they identified the ancient, eroded remnants of rivers in many Mars craters.

Curiosity rover identified specific landforms called bench-and-nose features; here steep and shallow slopes are called 'benches,' while shortened ridges are called 'noses'.&nbsp;

They form when sedimentary material laid down in channels by rivers is subsequently eroded by prevailing winds. These landforms suggest that rivers were more widespread than thought earlier.&nbsp;

<h2>Why is this important?</h2>

On our planet Earth, rivers are an indispensable source of chemical, nutrient and sediment cycles, all of which are indispensable for life. This fresh discovery provides further proof of ancient rivers and could help in humanity's&nbsp;search for signs of life on the red planet.

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As Cardenas puts it: "Our research indicates that Mars could have had far more rivers than previously believed, which certainly paints a more optimistic view of ancient life on Mars."

"It offers a vision of Mars, where most of the planet once had the right condition for life," he remarked.&nbsp;

<h2>Is the knowledge of Mars rivers new?</h2>

No, it isn't. We have known about Mars' rivers since Mariner 9, the first spacecraft to orbit the red planet, sent back images which were clicked back in 1971. The images showed dried-up river channels and floodplains on Mars's surface.

Mars orbiters and rovers have also identified ridges that were probably formed by sediment in river channels billions of years ago.

Multiple Mars rovers have also found mineralogical evidence, including sulfur-containing compounds like jarosite that form in water.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has found more evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars… once upon a time. A team of researchers examining data collected by NASA's curiosity has deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water.

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has found more evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars… once upon a time. A team of researchers examining data collected by NASA's curiosity has deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water. They have published their findings in Geophysical Research Letters. 'Planet of rivers' "We're finding evidence that Mars was likely a planet of rivers," said the research's lead author, Benjamin Cardenas, a geoscientist at Penn State University. Cardenas and his team reached this conclusion after analysing a combination of images from the Curiosity rover, scans of sedimentary rock beneath the Gulf of Mexico on Earth and several computer simulations. Also read | Scientists develop a vaccine for cocaine. Here's how it works Using these, they identified the ancient, eroded remnants of rivers in many Mars craters. Curiosity rover identified specific landforms called bench-and-nose features; here steep and shallow slopes are called 'benches,' while shortened ridges are called 'noses'. They form when sedimentary material laid down in channels by rivers is subsequently eroded by prevailing winds. These landforms suggest that rivers were more widespread than thought earlier. Why is this important? On our planet Earth, rivers are an indispensable source of chemical, nutrient and sediment cycles, all of which are indispensable for life. This fresh discovery provides further proof of ancient rivers and could help in humanity's search for signs of life on the red planet. Also read | A two-kilometre-tall 'dust devil' has been caught on camera, but not on Earth As Cardenas puts it: "Our research indicates that Mars could have had far more rivers than previously believed, which certainly paints a more optimistic view of ancient life on Mars." "It offers a vision of Mars, where most of the planet once had the right condition for life," he remarked. Is the knowledge of Mars rivers new? No, it isn't. We have known about Mars' rivers since Mariner 9, the first spacecraft to orbit the red planet, sent back images which were clicked back in 1971. The images showed dried-up river channels and floodplains on Mars's surface. Mars orbiters and rovers have also identified ridges that were probably formed by sediment in river channels billions of years ago. Multiple Mars rovers have also found mineralogical evidence, including sulfur-containing compounds like jarosite that form in water. (With inputs from agencies)

Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers'