NASA's Perseverance Mars rover has made what could be its most astonishing discovery to date: possible signs of ancient life on the Red Planet. The six-wheeled robotic explorer came across an intriguing, arrow-shaped rock dubbed "Cheyava Falls" that may harbour fossilised microbes from billions of years ago when Mars was a watery world.

NASA's rover uncovers startling finds on Mars

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that its Perseverance rover found a rock that has some indications it may have hosted microbial life billions of years ago. Scientists are fascinated by the vein-filled rock, however, they said that further research is required.&nbsp;

The team of scientists have nicknamed the arrowhead-shaped rock "Cheyava Falls", which has intriguing characteristics that could help answer the question of whether or not microscopic life once resided on Mars.&nbsp;

The rover used its SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman &amp; Luminescence for Organics &amp; Chemicals) instrument to do multiple scans of Cheyava Falls.&nbsp;

The scans indicate it contains organic compounds. While such carbon-based molecules are considered the building blocks of life, they also can be formed by non-biological processes.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-reveals-carbon-oxides-on-uranus-moon-ariel-what-does-this-mean-744232">James Webb reveals carbon oxides on Uranus' moon Ariel. What does this mean?</a>&nbsp;

NASA said in its report that analysis of the rock by instruments aboard the rover indicates that it possesses qualities that "fit the definition of a possible indicator of ancient life".&nbsp;

The rock shows structures and chemical traces that may have been created by life billions of years ago.&nbsp;

NASA said that the rock, which is the rover's 22nd rock core sample, was collected on July 21 when the rover was exploring the northern edge of Neretva Vallis, which is an ancient river valley 400 metres&nbsp;wide that was carved by water rushing into Jezero Crater long ago.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-nasa-streams-4k-video-footage-from-aircraft-to-iss-and-back-744193">In a first, NASA streams 4K video footage from aircraft to ISS and back</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by NASA, Nicola Fox, who is an associate administrator, at the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, "We have designed the route for Perseverance to ensure that it goes to areas with the potential for interesting scientific samples. This trip through the Neretva Vallis riverbed paid off as we found something we've never seen before, which will give our scientists so much to study."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Mysterious dark oxygen found on ocean floor&nbsp;

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Ken Farley, who is a Perseverance project scientist at Caltech in Pasadena, said as quoted by NASA: "Cheyava Falls is the most puzzling, complex, and potentially important rock yet investigated by Perseverance."&nbsp;

"On the one hand, we have our first compelling detection of organic material, distinctive colorful spots indicative of chemical reactions that microbial life could use as an energy source, and clear evidence that water — necessary for life — once passed through the rock. On the other hand, we have been unable to determine exactly how the rock formed and to what extent nearby rocks may have heated Cheyava Falls and contributed to these features," Farley added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that its Perseverance rover found a rock that has some indications it may have hosted microbial life billions of years ago.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that its Perseverance rover found a rock that has some indications it may have hosted microbial life billions of years ago. Scientists are fascinated by the vein-filled rock, however, they said that further research is required. The team of scientists have nicknamed the arrowhead-shaped rock "Cheyava Falls", which has intriguing characteristics that could help answer the question of whether or not microscopic life once resided on Mars. The rover used its SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals) instrument to do multiple scans of Cheyava Falls. The scans indicate it contains organic compounds. While such carbon-based molecules are considered the building blocks of life, they also can be formed by non-biological processes. Also read: James Webb reveals carbon oxides on Uranus' moon Ariel. What does this mean? NASA said in its report that analysis of the rock by instruments aboard the rover indicates that it possesses qualities that "fit the definition of a possible indicator of ancient life". The rock shows structures and chemical traces that may have been created by life billions of years ago. NASA said that the rock, which is the rover's 22nd rock core sample, was collected on July 21 when the rover was exploring the northern edge of Neretva Vallis, which is an ancient river valley 400 metres wide that was carved by water rushing into Jezero Crater long ago. Also read: In a first, NASA streams 4K video footage from aircraft to ISS and back As quoted by NASA, Nicola Fox, who is an associate administrator, at the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, "We have designed the route for Perseverance to ensure that it goes to areas with the potential for interesting scientific samples. This trip through the Neretva Vallis riverbed paid off as we found something we've never seen before, which will give our scientists so much to study." Watch: Gravitas: Mysterious dark oxygen found on ocean floor × Ken Farley, who is a Perseverance project scientist at Caltech in Pasadena, said as quoted by NASA: "Cheyava Falls is the most puzzling, complex, and potentially important rock yet investigated by Perseverance." "On the one hand, we have our first compelling detection of organic material, distinctive colorful spots indicative of chemical reactions that microbial life could use as an energy source, and clear evidence that water — necessary for life — once passed through the rock. On the other hand, we have been unable to determine exactly how the rock formed and to what extent nearby rocks may have heated Cheyava Falls and contributed to these features," Farley added. (With inputs from agencies)

Vein-filled rock on Mars could reveal signs of ancient life on Red Planet

Scientists have been hunting for any trace of life on planet Mars for decades and now a new study has spilled out the details of the past climatic conditions on the Red Planet which has dampened&nbsp;down their hopes of encountering an alien life.&nbsp;

For all those who had hoped that the planet was warm and wet and may have had seas and rivers flowing, the study has presented a starkly different picture of the planet which existed millions of years ago.

The study has said that Mars was rather icy and frigid, which has decreased its chances of supporting any kind of life in the past.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/organic-chemistry-uncovered-on-mars-may-give-clues-to-life-on-earth-738683">Organic material found on Mars by Curiosity rover may reveal clues to life on Earth</a>

In the latest study, scientists have found similarities between soils present on Mars and those picked from Newfoundland in Canada, which has a cold subarctic climate.

<h2>Scientists study soils in the Gale Crater of Mars</h2>

Researchers of the study,&nbsp;published&nbsp;in&nbsp;Communications Earth and Environment, searched for soils on Earth which contained comparable materials to those present in the Gale Crater of Mars.

Scientists generally use soil to understand environmental history since the minerals are able to present the story of landscape evolution with the help of time.

Researchers have studied the rocks and soils of Gale Crater which gave them details of the climatic conditions of Mars nearly three&nbsp;and four&nbsp;billion years ago. In this period, the first life is said to have appeared on Earth.

In a statement, soil scientist and geomorphologist at Desert Research Institute in Las Vegas Anthony Feldman said, "Gale Crater is a paleo lakebed—there was obviously water present. But what were the&nbsp;environmental conditions&nbsp;when the water was there?"&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;NASA's manned mission to Mars around the corner?

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"We're never going to find a direct analogue to the Martian surface, because conditions are so different between Mars and Earth. But we can look at trends under terrestrial conditions and use those to try to extrapolate to Martian questions," he added.

The Curiosity Rover of NASA has been investigating Gale Crater since 2011, and has discovered a plethora of soil materials which are called "X-ray amorphous material."&nbsp;

Such components of the soil do not have repeating atomic structure which defines minerals and it is difficult to characterise them using traditional techniques like X-ray diffraction.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have been hunting for any trace of life on planet Mars for decades and now a new study has spilled out the details of the past climatic conditions on the Red Planet which has dampened down their hopes of encountering an alien life.

Scientists have been hunting for any trace of life on planet Mars for decades and now a new study has spilled out the details of the past climatic conditions on the Red Planet which has dampened down their hopes of encountering an alien life. For all those who had hoped that the planet was warm and wet and may have had seas and rivers flowing, the study has presented a starkly different picture of the planet which existed millions of years ago. The study has said that Mars was rather icy and frigid, which has decreased its chances of supporting any kind of life in the past. Also Read: Organic material found on Mars by Curiosity rover may reveal clues to life on Earth In the latest study, scientists have found similarities between soils present on Mars and those picked from Newfoundland in Canada, which has a cold subarctic climate. Scientists study soils in the Gale Crater of Mars Researchers of the study, published in Communications Earth and Environment, searched for soils on Earth which contained comparable materials to those present in the Gale Crater of Mars. Scientists generally use soil to understand environmental history since the minerals are able to present the story of landscape evolution with the help of time. Researchers have studied the rocks and soils of Gale Crater which gave them details of the climatic conditions of Mars nearly three and four billion years ago. In this period, the first life is said to have appeared on Earth. In a statement, soil scientist and geomorphologist at Desert Research Institute in Las Vegas Anthony Feldman said, "Gale Crater is a paleo lakebed—there was obviously water present. But what were the environmental conditions when the water was there?" Watch: NASA's manned mission to Mars around the corner? "We're never going to find a direct analogue to the Martian surface, because conditions are so different between Mars and Earth. But we can look at trends under terrestrial conditions and use those to try to extrapolate to Martian questions," he added. The Curiosity Rover of NASA has been investigating Gale Crater since 2011, and has discovered a plethora of soil materials which are called "X-ray amorphous material." Such components of the soil do not have repeating atomic structure which defines minerals and it is difficult to characterise them using traditional techniques like X-ray diffraction. (With inputs from agencies)

Mars was once an iceball. Here's what past climatic history of the Red Planet hints at about existence of life

The idea of life existing elsewhere in the solar system has always captured the imagination of mankind. Many years, Mars has been considered the ideal candidate by scientists to set up a future space colony.

Manned mission to Mars around corner? | Red planet reveals traces of life during its early years

NASA's manned mission to Mars around the corner?

For nearly 12 years, NASA's Curiosity rover has been actively collecting samples from the surface of Mars and continuously making groundbreaking discoveries. The recent findings related&nbsp;to the properties of the organic material present on the red planet have challenged the existing knowledge of scientists on both Mars and Earth.

The material discovered has properties that are generally a sign of microorganisms on Earth. However, they can also be due to non-biological, chemical functions. The findings published in Nature Geoscience have baffled researchers from where it came into being.

According to researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the Tokyo Institute of Technology, who are collaborating on this research, this discovery can help&nbsp;understand how life came into being billions of years ago on our planet Earth.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-witnessed-never-ever-seen-polar-rain-aurora-heres-how-this-eerie-glow-was-formed-738543">Earth witnessed never-ever-seen 'polar rain' aurora. Here's how this eerie glow was formed</a>

Co-author of the study, Matthew Johnson of the University of Copenhagen calls this discovery "the smoking gun", which confirms a decade-old theory of so-called photolysis in the atmosphere of Mars.

"Such carbon-based complex molecules are the prerequisite of life, the building blocks of life, one might say," he said. "So, this is a bit like the old debate about which came first, the chicken or the egg. We show that the organic material found on Mars has been formed through atmospheric photochemical reactions – without life that is. This is the 'egg', a prerequisite of life. It still remains to be shown whether or not this organic material resulted in life on the red planet."

The concept that photolysis, a process in which molecules are broken apart by light, plays a role in the organic chemistry of Mars has been going about for a long time. However, hard evidence to support the theory has not been found.&nbsp;

"The smoking gun here is that the ratio of carbon isotopes in it exactly matches our predictions in the quantum chemical simulations, but there was a missing piece in the puzzle. We were missing the other product of this chemical process to confirm the theory, and that's what we've now obtained," said Johnson.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-is-on-alert-as-gigantic-asteroid-size-of-statue-of-liberty-is-hurtling-towards-earth-at-65215-kmph-738357">NASA is on alert as gigantic&nbsp;asteroid, size of Statue of Liberty, is hurtling towards Earth at 65,215 kmph</a>

The discovery was made by the Curiosity rover in the Gale Crater including carbon-13 depletion in the samples of carbonate minerals, which mirrors the same elements found in a previous discovery from the Martian meteorite that formed the basis of the initial theory.

This strong piece of evidence gives us clues about the origins of organic material on Earth. Since Earth, Mars, and Venus have similar atmospheres, the same processes likely occurred on our planet.

"We have not yet found this 'smoking gun' material here on Earth to prove that the process took place. Perhaps because Earth's surface is much more alive, geologically and literally, and therefore constantly changing," said Johnson.

"But it is a big step that we have now found it on Mars, from a time when the two planets were very similar."

(With inputs from agencies)

For nearly 12 years, NASA's Curiosity rover has been actively collecting samples from the surface of Mars and continuously making groundbreaking discoveries. The recent findings related to the properties of the organic material present on the red planet have challenged the existing knowledge of scientists on both Mars and Earth.

For nearly 12 years, NASA's Curiosity rover has been actively collecting samples from the surface of Mars and continuously making groundbreaking discoveries. The recent findings related to the properties of the organic material present on the red planet have challenged the existing knowledge of scientists on both Mars and Earth. The material discovered has properties that are generally a sign of microorganisms on Earth. However, they can also be due to non-biological, chemical functions. The findings published in Nature Geoscience have baffled researchers from where it came into being. According to researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the Tokyo Institute of Technology, who are collaborating on this research, this discovery can help understand how life came into being billions of years ago on our planet Earth. Also Read | Earth witnessed never-ever-seen 'polar rain' aurora. Here's how this eerie glow was formed Co-author of the study, Matthew Johnson of the University of Copenhagen calls this discovery "the smoking gun", which confirms a decade-old theory of so-called photolysis in the atmosphere of Mars. "Such carbon-based complex molecules are the prerequisite of life, the building blocks of life, one might say," he said. "So, this is a bit like the old debate about which came first, the chicken or the egg. We show that the organic material found on Mars has been formed through atmospheric photochemical reactions – without life that is. This is the 'egg', a prerequisite of life. It still remains to be shown whether or not this organic material resulted in life on the red planet." The concept that photolysis, a process in which molecules are broken apart by light, plays a role in the organic chemistry of Mars has been going about for a long time. However, hard evidence to support the theory has not been found. "The smoking gun here is that the ratio of carbon isotopes in it exactly matches our predictions in the quantum chemical simulations, but there was a missing piece in the puzzle. We were missing the other product of this chemical process to confirm the theory, and that's what we've now obtained," said Johnson. Also Read | NASA is on alert as gigantic asteroid, size of Statue of Liberty, is hurtling towards Earth at 65,215 kmph The discovery was made by the Curiosity rover in the Gale Crater including carbon-13 depletion in the samples of carbonate minerals, which mirrors the same elements found in a previous discovery from the Martian meteorite that formed the basis of the initial theory. This strong piece of evidence gives us clues about the origins of organic material on Earth. Since Earth, Mars, and Venus have similar atmospheres, the same processes likely occurred on our planet. "We have not yet found this 'smoking gun' material here on Earth to prove that the process took place. Perhaps because Earth's surface is much more alive, geologically and literally, and therefore constantly changing," said Johnson. "But it is a big step that we have now found it on Mars, from a time when the two planets were very similar." (With inputs from agencies)

Organic material found on Mars by Curiosity rover may reveal clues to life on Earth

September 11, 2001, was one of the darkest days in the history of the United States of America when unprecedented terrorist attacks shocked the nation, killing nearly 3,000 people. But it's not incorrect to say that a foreteller had already predicted the deadly attacks.&nbsp;

Baba Vanga, whose actual name was Vangelia Pandeva Gushterova, predicted the attack on the Twin Towers in New York. As quoted by Marca, her prediction reportedly said, "Two metal birds will crash into our American brothers, wolves will howl from the bushes and the blood of the innocent will flow in the rivers."&nbsp;

Isn't it spooky?&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/greenland-sharks-hold-the-secret-to-a-healthy-heart-and-staying-young-738147">Sharks hold the secret to a healthy heart and staying young, study finds</a>&nbsp;

Baba Vanga died in 1996 at the age of 85. From wars to the end of the world, she made several striking predictions. People often argue that her predictions can't be taken seriously, however, there isn't any harm in discussing them as they include our future. She&nbsp;lost her sight at the age of 12 but is said to have gained the ability to tell the future.&nbsp;

She has predicted that the world will end in the year 5079 in the aftermath of a cosmic event of "unimaginable" proportions.&nbsp;

She also predicted that there will be a major conflict in Europe in the year 2025. The conflict apparently will cause a great reduction in the population on the continent.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rare-vampire-squids-appearance-in-south-china-sea-leaves-biologists-puzzled-737927">Rare vampire squid's appearance in South China Sea leaves biologists puzzled</a>&nbsp;

Her prediction includes a climate crisis, which is quite evident. She said the melting of the ice at the poles in 2033 would significantly increase the sea level. She also said that a global drought will happen in 2170.&nbsp;

In terms of politics, she also said that Communism will return throughout the planet in 2076.&nbsp;

She even predicted when the world would end. Baba Vanga said that the end of the world will occur in 5079 - the date to which her predictions are apparently extended.&nbsp;

<h2>Predictions beyond planet Earth&nbsp;</h2>

She predicted that humanity would manage to reach planet Venus in order to find new sources of energy in 2028.&nbsp;

She also predicted that humans would be able to make contact with extraterrestrial civilisations in 2130. One of the interesting predictions includes a war on Mars in 3005. She said that the Earth will be destroyed in 3797.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

September 11, 2001, was one of the darkest days in the history of the United States of America when unprecedented terrorist attacks shocked the nation, killing nearly 3,000 people.

September 11, 2001, was one of the darkest days in the history of the United States of America when unprecedented terrorist attacks shocked the nation, killing nearly 3,000 people. But it's not incorrect to say that a foreteller had already predicted the deadly attacks. Baba Vanga, whose actual name was Vangelia Pandeva Gushterova, predicted the attack on the Twin Towers in New York. As quoted by Marca, her prediction reportedly said, "Two metal birds will crash into our American brothers, wolves will howl from the bushes and the blood of the innocent will flow in the rivers." Isn't it spooky? Also read: Sharks hold the secret to a healthy heart and staying young, study finds Baba Vanga died in 1996 at the age of 85. From wars to the end of the world, she made several striking predictions. People often argue that her predictions can't be taken seriously, however, there isn't any harm in discussing them as they include our future. She lost her sight at the age of 12 but is said to have gained the ability to tell the future. She has predicted that the world will end in the year 5079 in the aftermath of a cosmic event of "unimaginable" proportions. She also predicted that there will be a major conflict in Europe in the year 2025. The conflict apparently will cause a great reduction in the population on the continent. Also read: Rare vampire squid's appearance in South China Sea leaves biologists puzzled Her prediction includes a climate crisis, which is quite evident. She said the melting of the ice at the poles in 2033 would significantly increase the sea level. She also said that a global drought will happen in 2170. In terms of politics, she also said that Communism will return throughout the planet in 2076. She even predicted when the world would end. Baba Vanga said that the end of the world will occur in 5079 - the date to which her predictions are apparently extended. Predictions beyond planet Earth She predicted that humanity would manage to reach planet Venus in order to find new sources of energy in 2028. She also predicted that humans would be able to make contact with extraterrestrial civilisations in 2130. One of the interesting predictions includes a war on Mars in 3005. She said that the Earth will be destroyed in 3797. (With inputs from agencies)

A war on Mars, end of world and contact with 'aliens': Will Baba Vanga's predictions come true? 

The hunt for life on Mars has continued for decades as scientists try to find even the slightest hint of the presence of living creatures.

NASA’s&nbsp;Curiosity rover, which has been moving on the surface of Mars, has now spent nearly 12 years solving the mystery of life on the Red Planet.

At the moment, the rover has been digging up samples in a Martian crater and trying to find anything&nbsp;related to life on Mars and beyond.

<h2>Curiosity rover discovers organic matter</h2>

The rover, in a recent discovery, found organic matter which contains carbon isotopes and has left the scientists puzzled.

The presence of such materials on Earth hints at the presence of life. However, on Mars, these can be signs of life&nbsp;or just some chemicals reacting.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroids-thrashing-mars-more-than-ever-thought-leaving-craters-on-red-planet-736281">Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet</a>

University of Copenhagen's Department of Chemistry Professor Matthew Johnson said, “Such carbon-based complex molecules are the prerequisite of life, the building blocks of life one might say. So, this is a bit like the old debate about which came first, the chicken or the egg."

However, the experts at the University of Copenhagen and&nbsp;Tokyo Institute of Technology in their collaborative study had a different take on the discovery of organic matter.

According to them, the Martian samples confirmed the theory of atmospheric photolysis on the planet.

“We show that the organic material found on Mars has been formed through atmospheric photochemical reactions – without life that is. This is the ‘egg,’ a prerequisite of life. It still remains to be shown whether or not this organic material&nbsp;resulted in life on the Red Planet,” Professor Johnson said.

As per the study, the rays of the Sun broke down CO2 in the atmosphere of Mars billions of years ago.&nbsp;

The process is known as photodissociation and it leads to the splitting of the carbon dioxide molecules into carbon monoxide and oxygen.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: China space rocket blows up, causes massive fireball

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After this, the carbon monoxide gets fused with other chemicals which are present in the atmosphere like hydrogen and nitrogen.

Through time, the complex chemical interaction leads to the creation of organic materials which are the building blocks of life.

The new discovery throws light on the planet's ancient atmospheric conditions and also gives valuable insights into the potential of Mars for supporting life.

(With inputs from agencies)

The hunt for life on Mars has continued for decades as scientists try to find even the slightest hint of the presence of living creatures. NASA’s Curiosity rover, which has been moving on the surface of Mars, has now spent nearly 12 years solving the mystery of life on the Red Planet.

The hunt for life on Mars has continued for decades as scientists try to find even the slightest hint of the presence of living creatures. NASA’s Curiosity rover, which has been moving on the surface of Mars, has now spent nearly 12 years solving the mystery of life on the Red Planet. At the moment, the rover has been digging up samples in a Martian crater and trying to find anything related to life on Mars and beyond. Curiosity rover discovers organic matter The rover, in a recent discovery, found organic matter which contains carbon isotopes and has left the scientists puzzled. The presence of such materials on Earth hints at the presence of life. However, on Mars, these can be signs of life or just some chemicals reacting. Also Read: Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet University of Copenhagen's Department of Chemistry Professor Matthew Johnson said, “Such carbon-based complex molecules are the prerequisite of life, the building blocks of life one might say. So, this is a bit like the old debate about which came first, the chicken or the egg." However, the experts at the University of Copenhagen and Tokyo Institute of Technology in their collaborative study had a different take on the discovery of organic matter. According to them, the Martian samples confirmed the theory of atmospheric photolysis on the planet. “We show that the organic material found on Mars has been formed through atmospheric photochemical reactions – without life that is. This is the ‘egg,’ a prerequisite of life. It still remains to be shown whether or not this organic material resulted in life on the Red Planet,” Professor Johnson said. As per the study, the rays of the Sun broke down CO2 in the atmosphere of Mars billions of years ago. The process is known as photodissociation and it leads to the splitting of the carbon dioxide molecules into carbon monoxide and oxygen. Watch: Gravitas: China space rocket blows up, causes massive fireball After this, the carbon monoxide gets fused with other chemicals which are present in the atmosphere like hydrogen and nitrogen. Through time, the complex chemical interaction leads to the creation of organic materials which are the building blocks of life. The new discovery throws light on the planet's ancient atmospheric conditions and also gives valuable insights into the potential of Mars for supporting life. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA finds organic matter in Mars crater. What does this mean about life on Red Planet?

Scientists have identified a species of desert moss called 'Syntrichia caninervis' that could be a game-changer for future space exploration and colonisation efforts.

This resilient moss has demonstrated an exceptional ability to survive in conditions comparable to those found on Mars, raising hopes for its potential use in establishing sustainable habitats beyond Earth.

The moss is renowned for its tolerance to drought conditions, but recent studies have revealed its remarkable capacity to withstand temperatures as low as −196°C, high levels of gamma radiation, and simulated Martian environments. Interestingly, prior dehydration appears to enhance the moss'&nbsp;ability to cope with these extreme stressors.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-and-spacex-collaborate-to-address-dragon-spacecraft-debris-concerns-736748">NASA and SpaceX collaborate to address dragon spacecraft debris concerns</a>

Researchers asserted that 'S. caninervis'&nbsp;surpasses even highly stress-tolerant microorganisms and tardigrades in its environmental resilience.

"Our study shows that the environmental resilience of *S. caninervis* is superior to that of some of highly stress-tolerant microorganisms and tardigrades," they added.

They believe this moss is a promising candidate for pioneering plant colonisation beyond Earth, potentially paving the way for sustainable human habitats in extraterrestrial environments.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/latest-underwater-discovery-can-help-understand-how-life-on-other-worlds-might-emerge-736731">Latest underwater discovery can help understand how life might emerge in other worlds</a>

Unlike previous studies that focused on microorganisms, algae, lichens and plant spores, this research uniquely examined the resilience of whole plants to extreme conditions akin to those on Mars.

<h2>S. caninervis has&nbsp;widespread global distribution</h2>

'S. caninervis' is a globally distributed moss species that thrive in severe desert environments like Tibet, Antarctica and circumpolar regions, forming part of the resilient biological soil crust.

Watch | Cancer rate in younger people rising sharply as per new research

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The researchers conducted rigorous tests in controlled laboratory settings to assess the moss'&nbsp;tolerance to extreme cold, gamma radiation and simulated Martian conditions.

The results were astounding, with the moss demonstrating a remarkable ability to regenerate after being subjected to these harsh environments.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have identified a species of desert moss called 'Syntrichia caninervis' that could be a game-changer for future space exploration and colonisation efforts.

Scientists have identified a species of desert moss called 'Syntrichia caninervis' that could be a game-changer for future space exploration and colonisation efforts. This resilient moss has demonstrated an exceptional ability to survive in conditions comparable to those found on Mars, raising hopes for its potential use in establishing sustainable habitats beyond Earth. The moss is renowned for its tolerance to drought conditions, but recent studies have revealed its remarkable capacity to withstand temperatures as low as −196°C, high levels of gamma radiation, and simulated Martian environments. Interestingly, prior dehydration appears to enhance the moss' ability to cope with these extreme stressors. Also Read | NASA and SpaceX collaborate to address dragon spacecraft debris concerns Researchers asserted that 'S. caninervis' surpasses even highly stress-tolerant microorganisms and tardigrades in its environmental resilience. "Our study shows that the environmental resilience of *S. caninervis* is superior to that of some of highly stress-tolerant microorganisms and tardigrades," they added. They believe this moss is a promising candidate for pioneering plant colonisation beyond Earth, potentially paving the way for sustainable human habitats in extraterrestrial environments. Also Read | Latest underwater discovery can help understand how life might emerge in other worlds Unlike previous studies that focused on microorganisms, algae, lichens and plant spores, this research uniquely examined the resilience of whole plants to extreme conditions akin to those on Mars. S. caninervis has widespread global distribution 'S. caninervis' is a globally distributed moss species that thrive in severe desert environments like Tibet, Antarctica and circumpolar regions, forming part of the resilient biological soil crust. Watch | Cancer rate in younger people rising sharply as per new research × The researchers conducted rigorous tests in controlled laboratory settings to assess the moss' tolerance to extreme cold, gamma radiation and simulated Martian conditions. The results were astounding, with the moss demonstrating a remarkable ability to regenerate after being subjected to these harsh environments. (With inputs from agencies)

Desert moss found with potential to thrive on Mars

NASA has awarded $2 million in funding to a project that aims to grow habitats on the Moon and Mars using fungi.

The "Mycotecture Off-Planet" project, led by researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center, is exploring the use of fungal mycelia to construct livable structures for future space explorers.

The concept is based on using a lightweight, compact structure containing dormant fungi that can be activated by adding water, allowing them to grow around the framework and form a fully functional habitat.

This approach could be more feasible than transporting heavy building materials from Earth.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/device-inspired-by-python-teeth-revolutionises-rotator-cuff-repairs-736373">Device inspired by Python teeth revolutionises rotator cuff repair surgery</a>

"As NASA prepares to explore farther into the cosmos than ever before, it will require new science and technology that doesn't yet exist," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "NASA's space technology team and the NIAC programme unlock visionary ideas – ideas that make the impossible, possible."

The Mycotecture project has already demonstrated proof-of-concept by developing bricks made from mycelium, yard waste and wood chips.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antikythera-mechanism-an-ancient-greek-computer-tracked-lunar-calendar-736318">Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek 'computer' tracked lunar calendar</a>

These prototypes have been rigorously tested in a planetary simulator and the team has also drafted detailed design plans for a mycelium-based lunar habitat.

Watch | Lancet study claims half of Indian adults are physically unfit

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Beyond just providing a structure, the fungal habitat concept also incorporates other lifeforms, such as cyanobacteria, to create a self-sustaining ecosystem.

The cyanobacteria can use sunlight to produce oxygen and nutrients for the mycelia, while the mycelia provide a sturdy, radiation-shielding home for the astronauts.

"Mycotecture Off Planet exemplifies how concepts can change how we envision future exploration missions," said John Nelson, NIAC Program Executive. "As NASA embarks on the next era of space exploration, NIAC helps the agency lay the necessary groundwork to bring innovative visions to life."

This research could not only benefit future space exploration but also have applications for more sustainable living on Earth.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has awarded $2 million in funding to a project that aims to grow habitats on the Moon and Mars using fungi. The "Mycotecture Off-Planet" project, led by researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center, is exploring the use of fungal mycelia to construct livable structures for future space explorers.

NASA has awarded $2 million in funding to a project that aims to grow habitats on the Moon and Mars using fungi. The "Mycotecture Off-Planet" project, led by researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center, is exploring the use of fungal mycelia to construct livable structures for future space explorers. The concept is based on using a lightweight, compact structure containing dormant fungi that can be activated by adding water, allowing them to grow around the framework and form a fully functional habitat. This approach could be more feasible than transporting heavy building materials from Earth. Also Read | Device inspired by Python teeth revolutionises rotator cuff repair surgery "As NASA prepares to explore farther into the cosmos than ever before, it will require new science and technology that doesn't yet exist," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "NASA's space technology team and the NIAC programme unlock visionary ideas – ideas that make the impossible, possible." The Mycotecture project has already demonstrated proof-of-concept by developing bricks made from mycelium, yard waste and wood chips. Also Read | Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek 'computer' tracked lunar calendar These prototypes have been rigorously tested in a planetary simulator and the team has also drafted detailed design plans for a mycelium-based lunar habitat. Watch | Lancet study claims half of Indian adults are physically unfit × Beyond just providing a structure, the fungal habitat concept also incorporates other lifeforms, such as cyanobacteria, to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. The cyanobacteria can use sunlight to produce oxygen and nutrients for the mycelia, while the mycelia provide a sturdy, radiation-shielding home for the astronauts. "Mycotecture Off Planet exemplifies how concepts can change how we envision future exploration missions," said John Nelson, NIAC Program Executive. "As NASA embarks on the next era of space exploration, NIAC helps the agency lay the necessary groundwork to bring innovative visions to life." This research could not only benefit future space exploration but also have applications for more sustainable living on Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA backs plan to make homes with fungi on Moon and Mars

NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter captured a stunning image of Olympus Mons, which is the tallest volcano in the solar system, on March 11, 2024. The image was posted Friday (Jun 28) on the social media account of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory which manages NASA's many robotic missions aimed at exploring Earth, the solar system and the universe.&nbsp;

The Mars robot was launched 23 years ago and is about to mark a new milestone on June 30, that is 100,000 trips around the Red Planet. While doing its job, the Odyssey orbiter has been mapping minerals and ice across the Martian surface. It relays data to Earth from NASA's rovers and landers and helps scientists to identify landing sites for future missions.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-says-boeing-starliner-crew-not-stranded-in-space-but-has-no-date-of-their-return-to-earth-736169">NASA&nbsp;says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth</a>&nbsp;

The image is part of a result of the Odyssey team's ongoing efforts to offer high-altitude views of the planet's horizon. Notably, the first of these views was released towards the end of 2023.&nbsp;

The picture aids in the study of various layers of dust and cloud matter in the Martian atmosphere in addition to offering a never-before-seen perspective of the volcano.&nbsp;

The image was taken in March and shows a base sprawling across 600 kilometres and the shield volcano rising to a height of 27 kilometres.&nbsp;

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As quoted by jpl.nasa.gov, Odyssey's project scientist, Jeffrey Plaut of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, which manages the mission, said: "Normally we see Olympus Mons in narrow strips from above, but by turning the spacecraft toward the horizon we can see in a single image how large it looms over the landscape. Not only is the image spectacular, it also provides us with unique science data."&nbsp;

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A unique view of a massive Martian volcano 🌋 
 
The Mars Odyssey orbiter captured the largest volcano in the solar system – Olympus Mons. With a base that sprawls 373 miles (600 km) across, it is wider than the distance from L.A. to San Francisco. <a href="https://t.co/1wCdeme8Kv">https://t.co/1wCdeme8Kv</a> <a href="https://t.co/6k2IDb1405">pic.twitter.com/6k2IDb1405</a>
— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAJPL/status/1806397363600396674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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NASA said in its report that the recent horizon photography was designed as an experiment between NASA's 2008 Phoenix mission and 2012 Curiosity rover landings several years ago.&nbsp;

Odyssey was crucial in transmitting information as the spacecraft raced towards the surface, just like it was in previous Mars landings both before and after those missions touched down.&nbsp;

The US-based space agency further added in its report that Odyssey's antenna had to be pointed towards the freshly arriving spacecraft and their landing ellipses in order to transmit their critical engineering data to Earth.&nbsp;

Scientists became curious when they realised that Odyssey's antenna would be pointing THEMIS towards the planet's horizon for this mission. THEMIS is a heat-sensitive camera called the Thermal Emission Imaging System, built and operated by Arizona State University.&nbsp;

Odyssey's mission operations spacecraft engineer, Steve Sanders of Lockheed Martin Space in Denver, said: "We just decided to turn the camera on and see how it looked." Odyssey was built by Lockheed Martin, which also supports the mission leads at JPL in their daily work.&nbsp;

"Based on those experiments, we designed a sequence that keeps THEMIS' field-of-view centered on the horizon as we go around the planet," Sanders added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter captured a stunning image of Olympus Mons, which is the tallest volcano in the solar system, on March 11, 2024. The image was posted Friday (Jun 28) on the social media account of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory which manages NASA's many robotic missions aimed at exploring Earth, the solar system and the universe.

NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter captured a stunning image of Olympus Mons, which is the tallest volcano in the solar system, on March 11, 2024. The image was posted Friday (Jun 28) on the social media account of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory which manages NASA's many robotic missions aimed at exploring Earth, the solar system and the universe. The Mars robot was launched 23 years ago and is about to mark a new milestone on June 30, that is 100,000 trips around the Red Planet. While doing its job, the Odyssey orbiter has been mapping minerals and ice across the Martian surface. It relays data to Earth from NASA's rovers and landers and helps scientists to identify landing sites for future missions. Also read: NASA says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth The image is part of a result of the Odyssey team's ongoing efforts to offer high-altitude views of the planet's horizon. Notably, the first of these views was released towards the end of 2023. The picture aids in the study of various layers of dust and cloud matter in the Martian atmosphere in addition to offering a never-before-seen perspective of the volcano. The image was taken in March and shows a base sprawling across 600 kilometres and the shield volcano rising to a height of 27 kilometres. Also read: Giant leap for Ind-Aus ties: ISRO to launch biggest Australian satellite As quoted by jpl.nasa.gov, Odyssey's project scientist, Jeffrey Plaut of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, which manages the mission, said: "Normally we see Olympus Mons in narrow strips from above, but by turning the spacecraft toward the horizon we can see in a single image how large it looms over the landscape. Not only is the image spectacular, it also provides us with unique science data." A unique view of a massive Martian volcano 🌋 The Mars Odyssey orbiter captured the largest volcano in the solar system – Olympus Mons. With a base that sprawls 373 miles (600 km) across, it is wider than the distance from L.A. to San Francisco. https://t.co/1wCdeme8Kv pic.twitter.com/6k2IDb1405 — NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) June 27, 2024 × NASA said in its report that the recent horizon photography was designed as an experiment between NASA's 2008 Phoenix mission and 2012 Curiosity rover landings several years ago. Odyssey was crucial in transmitting information as the spacecraft raced towards the surface, just like it was in previous Mars landings both before and after those missions touched down. The US-based space agency further added in its report that Odyssey's antenna had to be pointed towards the freshly arriving spacecraft and their landing ellipses in order to transmit their critical engineering data to Earth. Scientists became curious when they realised that Odyssey's antenna would be pointing THEMIS towards the planet's horizon for this mission. THEMIS is a heat-sensitive camera called the Thermal Emission Imaging System, built and operated by Arizona State University. Odyssey's mission operations spacecraft engineer, Steve Sanders of Lockheed Martin Space in Denver, said: "We just decided to turn the camera on and see how it looked." Odyssey was built by Lockheed Martin, which also supports the mission leads at JPL in their daily work. "Based on those experiments, we designed a sequence that keeps THEMIS' field-of-view centered on the horizon as we go around the planet," Sanders added. (With inputs from agencies)

Here's a stunning image of tallest volcano in solar system that is NOT on Earth

A team of scientists, headed by ETH Zurich and Imperial College London, has found a never-known global meteorite impact on Mars with the help of seismic data.&nbsp;

According to their new findings, nearly 280 to 360 meteorites have been hitting the planet every year and creating craters greater than 8 metres (about 26 feet) across.

Study's co-lead Geraldine Zenhaeusern said, "This rate was about five times higher than the number estimated from orbital imagery alone. Aligned with orbital imagery, our findings demonstrate that seismology is an excellent tool for measuring impact rates."

This new analysis of the data collected by a seismometer on&nbsp;Mars&nbsp;has emphasised that space rocks have been hitting Mars more frequently than ever thought.

Based on the number of nearby impact-related tremors found by the Mars InSight lander, the scientists estimated that the planet must be facing smashing by rocks which are the size of a basketball almost every day.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-suggests-quakes-on-mars-hiding-water-secrets-of-red-planet-hints-at-possibility-of-life-735586">Study suggests quakes on Mars hiding water secrets of red planet, hint at possibility of life</a>

Co-lead author Geraldine Zenhausern&nbsp;of ETH Zurich and planetary scientist in Switzerland Geraldine Zenhausern&nbsp;said, "This rate was about five times higher than the number estimated from orbital imagery alone."&nbsp;

"Aligned with orbital imagery, our findings demonstrate that seismology is an excellent tool for measuring impact rates," he added.

<h2>Here's what craters tell about Mars' asteroid thrashing session</h2>

The speed at which a crater is formed on a planetary surface helps in understanding how old has the surface been.

Surfaces which have more craters are believed to be older in comparison to those with fewer craters. "By using seismic data to better understand how often meteorites hit Mars and how these impacts change its surface, we can start piecing together a timeline of the red planet's geological history and evolution,"&nbsp;said planetary scientist and co-lead author Natalia Wojcicka&nbsp;of Imperial College London.

"You could think of it as a sort of 'cosmic clock' to help us date Martian surfaces, and maybe, further down the line, other planets in the Solar System," she added.

Watch:&nbsp;Earth's days may be getting little longer: Unveiling the planet's mysteries

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Meanwhile, Mars is located close to the&nbsp;asteroid&nbsp;belt which lies between its orbit and the orbit of&nbsp;Jupiter and hence, has a lot of rocks in the vicinity which may have led to a high impact rate.

"While new craters can best be seen on flat and dusty terrain where they really stand out, this type of terrain covers less than half of the surface of Mars,"&nbsp;said Zenhausern. "The sensitive InSight seismometer, however, could hear every single impact within the landers' range," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A team of scientists, headed by ETH Zurich and Imperial College London, has found a never-known global meteorite impact on Mars with the help of seismic data. According to their new findings, nearly 280 to 360 meteorites have been hitting the planet every year and creating craters greater than 8 metres (about 26 feet) across.

A team of scientists, headed by ETH Zurich and Imperial College London, has found a never-known global meteorite impact on Mars with the help of seismic data. According to their new findings, nearly 280 to 360 meteorites have been hitting the planet every year and creating craters greater than 8 metres (about 26 feet) across. Study's co-lead Geraldine Zenhaeusern said, "This rate was about five times higher than the number estimated from orbital imagery alone. Aligned with orbital imagery, our findings demonstrate that seismology is an excellent tool for measuring impact rates." This new analysis of the data collected by a seismometer on Mars has emphasised that space rocks have been hitting Mars more frequently than ever thought. Based on the number of nearby impact-related tremors found by the Mars InSight lander, the scientists estimated that the planet must be facing smashing by rocks which are the size of a basketball almost every day. Also Read: Study suggests quakes on Mars hiding water secrets of red planet, hint at possibility of life Co-lead author Geraldine Zenhausern of ETH Zurich and planetary scientist in Switzerland Geraldine Zenhausern said, "This rate was about five times higher than the number estimated from orbital imagery alone." "Aligned with orbital imagery, our findings demonstrate that seismology is an excellent tool for measuring impact rates," he added. Here's what craters tell about Mars' asteroid thrashing session The speed at which a crater is formed on a planetary surface helps in understanding how old has the surface been. Surfaces which have more craters are believed to be older in comparison to those with fewer craters. "By using seismic data to better understand how often meteorites hit Mars and how these impacts change its surface, we can start piecing together a timeline of the red planet's geological history and evolution," said planetary scientist and co-lead author Natalia Wojcicka of Imperial College London. "You could think of it as a sort of 'cosmic clock' to help us date Martian surfaces, and maybe, further down the line, other planets in the Solar System," she added. Watch: Earth's days may be getting little longer: Unveiling the planet's mysteries Meanwhile, Mars is located close to the asteroid belt which lies between its orbit and the orbit of Jupiter and hence, has a lot of rocks in the vicinity which may have led to a high impact rate. "While new craters can best be seen on flat and dusty terrain where they really stand out, this type of terrain covers less than half of the surface of Mars," said Zenhausern. "The sensitive InSight seismometer, however, could hear every single impact within the landers' range," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet

Scientists and space enthusiasts have been searching for every possible hint of the existence of water on Mars.&nbsp;

However, the traditional methods have not proved effective in detecting liquid water which is most likely present deep below the Martian surface.&nbsp;

Scientists are now looking at a new approach which involves marsquakes and holds the capacity to provide the breakthrough in this water hunt.

An innovative technique was proposed by researchers from&nbsp;Penn State, headed by doctoral candidate Nolan Roth and Professor Tieyuan Zhu which can revolutionise the understanding of the hydrological history of Mars.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-hirise-camera-captures-image-of-phobos-mars-space-potato-moon-734199">NASA's HiRISE camera captures image of phobos, Mars' 'space potato' Moon</a>

According to the study, analysing electromagnetic signals which are produced by marsquakes can help in detecting water which is present underground.

“We explore the possibility of detecting and characterizing subsurface water on Mars using natural signals called seismo-electric interface responses,” stated the study authors.

“These seismo-electric interface responses can be created when marsquakes interact with liquid water held in deep aquifers, so they can be used as unambiguous signs of mobile water," they noted.

<h2>What are Marsquakes?&nbsp;</h2>

Marsquakes are a type of seismic activity&nbsp;that happens on Mars and is similar to earthquakes which occur on Earth.&nbsp;

They are created by the sudden release of energy in the interior of the planet which causes ground vibrations.

Marsquakes can be formed due to various factors which include volcanic activity, the impact of meteorites or tectonic movements.

Scientists by studying the marsquakes can understand the geological activity and internal structure of Mars.&nbsp;

NASA’s InSight lander has played a major role in detecting and studying these quakes after it landed on Mars in 2018.&nbsp;

It was once believed that Mars had vast oceans but through time most of that water vanished.

“The scientific community has theories that Mars used to have oceans and that, over the course of its history, all that water went away. But there is evidence that some water is trapped somewhere in the subsurface. We just haven’t been able to find it,” said Roth.

<h2>What did the researchers propose?</h2>

A technique known as the seismoelectric method has been proposed by researchers to detect&nbsp;water&nbsp;on Mars.&nbsp;

The approach depends on the unique electromagnetic signals which are produced when&nbsp;seismic&nbsp;waves cross the underground aquifers.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | The danger posed by Chinese space debris

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“If we listen to the marsquakes that are moving through the subsurface, if they pass through water, they’ll create these wonderful, unique signals of electromagnetic fields. These signals would be diagnostic of current, modern-day water on Mars," said Roth.&nbsp;

The dry surface of Mars interestingly makes it easier for scientists to detect the signals compared to Earth.

“On Mars, where the near-surface is certainly desiccated, no such separation is needed. In contrast to how seismoelectric signals often appear on Earth, Mars’ surface naturally removes the noise and exposes useful data that allows us to characterize several aquifer properties,” said Professor Zhu.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists and space enthusiasts have been searching for every possible hint of the existence of water on Mars. However, the traditional methods have not proved effective in detecting liquid water which is most likely present deep below the Martian surface.

Scientists and space enthusiasts have been searching for every possible hint of the existence of water on Mars. However, the traditional methods have not proved effective in detecting liquid water which is most likely present deep below the Martian surface. Scientists are now looking at a new approach which involves marsquakes and holds the capacity to provide the breakthrough in this water hunt. An innovative technique was proposed by researchers from Penn State, headed by doctoral candidate Nolan Roth and Professor Tieyuan Zhu which can revolutionise the understanding of the hydrological history of Mars. Also Read: NASA's HiRISE camera captures image of phobos, Mars' 'space potato' Moon According to the study, analysing electromagnetic signals which are produced by marsquakes can help in detecting water which is present underground. “We explore the possibility of detecting and characterizing subsurface water on Mars using natural signals called seismo-electric interface responses,” stated the study authors. “These seismo-electric interface responses can be created when marsquakes interact with liquid water held in deep aquifers, so they can be used as unambiguous signs of mobile water," they noted. What are Marsquakes? Marsquakes are a type of seismic activity that happens on Mars and is similar to earthquakes which occur on Earth. They are created by the sudden release of energy in the interior of the planet which causes ground vibrations. Marsquakes can be formed due to various factors which include volcanic activity, the impact of meteorites or tectonic movements. Scientists by studying the marsquakes can understand the geological activity and internal structure of Mars. NASA’s InSight lander has played a major role in detecting and studying these quakes after it landed on Mars in 2018. It was once believed that Mars had vast oceans but through time most of that water vanished. “The scientific community has theories that Mars used to have oceans and that, over the course of its history, all that water went away. But there is evidence that some water is trapped somewhere in the subsurface. We just haven’t been able to find it,” said Roth. What did the researchers propose? A technique known as the seismoelectric method has been proposed by researchers to detect water on Mars. The approach depends on the unique electromagnetic signals which are produced when seismic waves cross the underground aquifers. Watch: Gravitas | The danger posed by Chinese space debris “If we listen to the marsquakes that are moving through the subsurface, if they pass through water, they’ll create these wonderful, unique signals of electromagnetic fields. These signals would be diagnostic of current, modern-day water on Mars," said Roth. The dry surface of Mars interestingly makes it easier for scientists to detect the signals compared to Earth. “On Mars, where the near-surface is certainly desiccated, no such separation is needed. In contrast to how seismoelectric signals often appear on Earth, Mars’ surface naturally removes the noise and exposes useful data that allows us to characterize several aquifer properties,” said Professor Zhu. (With inputs from agencies)

Study suggests quakes on Mars hiding water secrets of red planet, hint at possibility of life

NASA’s Perseverance rover made an unprecedented discovery while exploring the Jezero crater on Mars, that could give scientists insights into life that plausibly existed there aeons ago.

The rover discovered a striking light-coloured boulder that stood out among the dark rocks in its proximity while traversing Neretva Vallis on Mars, a region that was once an ancient river channel feeding into the Jezero crater.

"Every once in a while, you'll just see some strange thing in the Martian landscape, and the team is like, 'Oh, let's go over there,'" said Katie Stack Morgan, deputy project scientist for NASA's Mars 2020 mission.

"This was like the textbook definition of [chasing] the bright, shiny thing because it was so bright and white,” she added.

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NASA described the boulder as belonging to "a type never observed before on Mars."

What is the mystery of the uncanny rock?

The strange boulder nicknamed ‘Atoco Point’ measured roughly 18 inches across and 14 inches tall, was speckled and conspicuously light-toned.

It was spotted among a field of darker boulders on the ‘Mount Washburn’ hill.

"The diversity of textures and compositions at Mount Washburn was an exciting discovery for the team, as these rocks represent a grab bag of geologic gifts brought down from the crater rim and potentially beyond," said Brad Garczynski of Western Washington University, who co-leads the current Perseverance mission, in a statement.

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A deeper examination of the rock using the rover's instruments suggested it is presumably an anorthosite, a type of rock commonly found on the moon and in some of Earth's mountain ranges.&nbsp; 
However, it was previously undetected on Mars.&nbsp;

NASA said that the boulder was composed of the minerals pyroxene and feldspar, raising speculations from some scientists about its origin possibly being linked to magma that originated below the surface of Mars and may have become exposed on the rim of the Jezero crater over time because of erosion.

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Meanwhile, other scientists suggested that in case the boulder belonged to a different part of the red planet, it may have moved with the ancient river channel to its present location on the rim and therefore appears out of place on Washburn Hill.

All of the Perseverance scientists believe that more rocks with a similar composition must exist elsewhere on Mars, NASA said.

Scientists believe that learning about the makeup of Mars and its past could help them figure out whether the planet's current landscape could ever be habitable for humans.&nbsp;

It could also offer important clues about the origins and evolution of&nbsp;life&nbsp;on&nbsp;Earth.

NASA’s Perseverance rover made an unprecedented discovery while exploring the Jezero crater on Mars, that could give scientists insights into life that plausibly existed there aeons ago.

NASA’s Perseverance rover made an unprecedented discovery while exploring the Jezero crater on Mars, that could give scientists insights into life that plausibly existed there aeons ago. The rover discovered a striking light-coloured boulder that stood out among the dark rocks in its proximity while traversing Neretva Vallis on Mars, a region that was once an ancient river channel feeding into the Jezero crater. "Every once in a while, you'll just see some strange thing in the Martian landscape, and the team is like, 'Oh, let's go over there,'" said Katie Stack Morgan, deputy project scientist for NASA's Mars 2020 mission. "This was like the textbook definition of [chasing] the bright, shiny thing because it was so bright and white,” she added. Also Read | Scientists uncover universal formula for bird wing flapping frequencies NASA described the boulder as belonging to "a type never observed before on Mars." What is the mystery of the uncanny rock? The strange boulder nicknamed ‘Atoco Point’ measured roughly 18 inches across and 14 inches tall, was speckled and conspicuously light-toned. It was spotted among a field of darker boulders on the ‘Mount Washburn’ hill. "The diversity of textures and compositions at Mount Washburn was an exciting discovery for the team, as these rocks represent a grab bag of geologic gifts brought down from the crater rim and potentially beyond," said Brad Garczynski of Western Washington University, who co-leads the current Perseverance mission, in a statement. Also Read | 'Summer Triangle' of three stars to mark the beginning of summer. Here's how to spot it A deeper examination of the rock using the rover's instruments suggested it is presumably an anorthosite, a type of rock commonly found on the moon and in some of Earth's mountain ranges. However, it was previously undetected on Mars. NASA said that the boulder was composed of the minerals pyroxene and feldspar, raising speculations from some scientists about its origin possibly being linked to magma that originated below the surface of Mars and may have become exposed on the rim of the Jezero crater over time because of erosion. Watch | Exhibition on civilisation of ancient Egypt to open at Shanghai Museum × Meanwhile, other scientists suggested that in case the boulder belonged to a different part of the red planet, it may have moved with the ancient river channel to its present location on the rim and therefore appears out of place on Washburn Hill. All of the Perseverance scientists believe that more rocks with a similar composition must exist elsewhere on Mars, NASA said. Scientists believe that learning about the makeup of Mars and its past could help them figure out whether the planet's current landscape could ever be habitable for humans. It could also offer important clues about the origins and evolution of life on Earth.

‘Atoco Point’: NASA’s rover spots strikingly mysterious rock never seen before on Mars

The impossible was made possible by a father and daughter duo when they decoded an 'alien' signal from Mars.

The task which was assigned by various governments to different experts was cracked by the civilians.

The historical task was completed after the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute released an 'alien message'.

&nbsp;The company's project 'A Sign In&nbsp;Space' was a kind of intergalactic piece of 'global theatre'. And the man behind this project was Daniela de Paulis.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-for-first-time-spot-alien-type-creatures-living-in-darkest-depths-of-our-ocean-729947">Scientists for first time spot alien-type creatures living in darkest depths of our ocean</a>

"Throughout history, humanity has searched for meaning in powerful and transformative phenomena. Receiving a message from an extraterrestrial civilisation would be a profoundly transformational experience for all humankind," de Paulis was quoted as saying by media outlets.

"A Sign in Space offers the unprecedented opportunity to tangibly rehearse and prepare for this scenario through global collaboration, fostering an open-ended search for meaning across all cultures and disciplines," he added.

An encoded message was sent by the project from the European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter back to Earth in May 2023.

More than a year after it was first released, the 'alien message' was finally encrypted.

<h2>What was found in the decoded signal?</h2>

De Paulis was sent the correct solution of the signal by the father and daughter duo on June 7.

The father and daughter investigated the message with the possibility that it was connected with the computation model known as the cellular automaton. 
&nbsp; 
The pair used the Unity&nbsp;video game&nbsp;engine and placed the 'alien message' through 6,625 transformations to turn the code into something tangible.

Watch: Strongest sign of alien found: The search for life beyond earth

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/strongest-sign-of-alien-found-the-search-for-life-beyond-earth-716486/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The two of them found that the signal was an image of five amino&nbsp;acids, all of which were represented by blocks of various pixels. For example, one block presented hydrogen, six for carbon, seven for nitrogen, and eight for oxygen.

Before the code was solved by the father and daughter duo, the message was taken up by three radio astronomy observatories - the Medicina Radio Astronomical Station Observatory, Italy, the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, West Virginia and the SETI Institute’s Allen Telescope Array, California.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, ATA Project Scientist Dr Wael Farah said, “This experiment is an opportunity for the world to learn how the SETI community, in all its diversity, will work together to receive, process, analyse, and understand the meaning of a potential extraterrestrial signal.”

(With inputs from agencies)

The impossible was made possible by a father and daughter duo when they decoded an 'alien' signal from Mars. The task which was assigned by various governments to different experts was cracked by the civilians.

The impossible was made possible by a father and daughter duo when they decoded an 'alien' signal from Mars. The task which was assigned by various governments to different experts was cracked by the civilians. The historical task was completed after the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute released an 'alien message'. The company's project 'A Sign In Space' was a kind of intergalactic piece of 'global theatre'. And the man behind this project was Daniela de Paulis. Also Read: Scientists for first time spot alien-type creatures living in darkest depths of our ocean "Throughout history, humanity has searched for meaning in powerful and transformative phenomena. Receiving a message from an extraterrestrial civilisation would be a profoundly transformational experience for all humankind," de Paulis was quoted as saying by media outlets. "A Sign in Space offers the unprecedented opportunity to tangibly rehearse and prepare for this scenario through global collaboration, fostering an open-ended search for meaning across all cultures and disciplines," he added. An encoded message was sent by the project from the European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter back to Earth in May 2023. More than a year after it was first released, the 'alien message' was finally encrypted. What was found in the decoded signal? De Paulis was sent the correct solution of the signal by the father and daughter duo on June 7. The father and daughter investigated the message with the possibility that it was connected with the computation model known as the cellular automaton. The pair used the Unity video game engine and placed the 'alien message' through 6,625 transformations to turn the code into something tangible. Watch: Strongest sign of alien found: The search for life beyond earth The two of them found that the signal was an image of five amino acids, all of which were represented by blocks of various pixels. For example, one block presented hydrogen, six for carbon, seven for nitrogen, and eight for oxygen. Before the code was solved by the father and daughter duo, the message was taken up by three radio astronomy observatories - the Medicina Radio Astronomical Station Observatory, Italy, the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, West Virginia and the SETI Institute’s Allen Telescope Array, California. Meanwhile, ATA Project Scientist Dr Wael Farah said, “This experiment is an opportunity for the world to learn how the SETI community, in all its diversity, will work together to receive, process, analyse, and understand the meaning of a potential extraterrestrial signal.” (With inputs from agencies)

Humans decode an 'alien message' from Mars. Here's what was hidden in the signal

In a new study, the researchers have observed that astronauts can suffer from permanent kidney damage if they go on missions to Mars.

A review of the health impacts of space travel on the 24 astronauts who had travelled to the moon has found that many of them suffered changes to their kidneys as a result.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacebug-found-lurking-in-iss-heres-how-it-is-threatening-sunita-williams-crew-730692">'Spacebug' found lurking on ISS. Here's how it endangers Sunita Williams and crew</a>

As per the study, the astronauts can develop painful kidney stones and may even need dialysis.&nbsp;The manned missions to Mars have been planned by both the US space agency NASA and the electric car tycoon Elon Musk.

<h2>Need for drugs to protect the kidneys of astronauts&nbsp;</h2>

Till the time new drugs are not made to protect the kidneys of astronauts, the health risk "would jeopardise" all kinds of 66 million-mile round trips to the red planet planned in the future.

The drugs can also prove beneficial on Earth as a protective medication to prevent&nbsp;cancer patients from getting their kidneys harmed during radiotherapy.&nbsp;

University College London scientists carried out a study of potential health impacts on space travellers and discovered that they are likely to suffer from kidney stones and may need dialysis when they are on the return flight.&nbsp;

The study was published in Nature Communications and it was the largest analysis on kidney health in space flight till now.

Watch:&nbsp;Is China practicing placing payload in space?

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Since the 1970s, researchers have been aware that space flight leads to certain health issues. The health issues included weakening of the heart and eyesight, development of kidney stones and loss of bone mass.&nbsp;

A UCL-headed team of researchers from more than 40 institutions carried out a range of experiments and further looked into how kidneys were responding to space flight.

The authors said, "The most alarming finding, at least for any astronaut considering a three-year round trip to Mars, is that the kidneys of mice exposed to radiation simulating GCR for 2.5 years experienced permanent damage and loss of function."

Author of the study from the London Tubular Centre, based at the UCL Department of Renal Medicine Dr Keith Siew said, "If we don't develop new ways to protect the kidneys, I'd say that while an astronaut could make it to Mars they might need dialysis on the way back.&nbsp;We know that the kidneys are late to show signs of radiation damage; by the time this becomes apparent it's probably too late to prevent failure, which would be catastrophic for the mission's chances of success."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new study, the researchers have observed that astronauts can suffer from permanent kidney damage if they go on missions to Mars. A review of the health impacts of space travel on the 24 astronauts who had travelled to the moon has found that many of them suffered changes to their kidneys as a result.

In a new study, the researchers have observed that astronauts can suffer from permanent kidney damage if they go on missions to Mars. A review of the health impacts of space travel on the 24 astronauts who had travelled to the moon has found that many of them suffered changes to their kidneys as a result. Also Read: 'Spacebug' found lurking on ISS. Here's how it endangers Sunita Williams and crew As per the study, the astronauts can develop painful kidney stones and may even need dialysis. The manned missions to Mars have been planned by both the US space agency NASA and the electric car tycoon Elon Musk. Need for drugs to protect the kidneys of astronauts Till the time new drugs are not made to protect the kidneys of astronauts, the health risk "would jeopardise" all kinds of 66 million-mile round trips to the red planet planned in the future. The drugs can also prove beneficial on Earth as a protective medication to prevent cancer patients from getting their kidneys harmed during radiotherapy. University College London scientists carried out a study of potential health impacts on space travellers and discovered that they are likely to suffer from kidney stones and may need dialysis when they are on the return flight. The study was published in Nature Communications and it was the largest analysis on kidney health in space flight till now. Watch: Is China practicing placing payload in space? Since the 1970s, researchers have been aware that space flight leads to certain health issues. The health issues included weakening of the heart and eyesight, development of kidney stones and loss of bone mass. A UCL-headed team of researchers from more than 40 institutions carried out a range of experiments and further looked into how kidneys were responding to space flight. The authors said, "The most alarming finding, at least for any astronaut considering a three-year round trip to Mars, is that the kidneys of mice exposed to radiation simulating GCR for 2.5 years experienced permanent damage and loss of function." Author of the study from the London Tubular Centre, based at the UCL Department of Renal Medicine Dr Keith Siew said, "If we don't develop new ways to protect the kidneys, I'd say that while an astronaut could make it to Mars they might need dialysis on the way back. We know that the kidneys are late to show signs of radiation damage; by the time this becomes apparent it's probably too late to prevent failure, which would be catastrophic for the mission's chances of success." (With inputs from agencies)

A trip to Mars might cost astronauts their kidneys, study on space flights reveals

Our Sun is going through major mood swings, called solar maximum in technical words, which is the season of peak activity on solar surface. During this period, the Sun produces a lot of solar flares which eventually turn into solar storms that can cause&nbsp;atmospheric phenomenon&nbsp;like auroras or northern lights.

Recently, we saw auroras being brought down to many far south places, like in Alabama, due to these solar storms. Scientists were on standby to observe such an event on Mars as well.

Finally, on May 20, NASA recorded a solar flare, which they are calling “the biggest event”, whose details were released on Monday (June 10).&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-lake-discovery-debunked-new-study-challenges-evidence-of-subsurface-water-730743">Mars lake discovery debunked? New study challenges evidence of subsurface water</a>

On May 20, a solar flare of X12 class was detected by the Solar Orbiter spacecraft, which is a joint mission between ESA and NASA. X-class flares are known to be the strongest of several types of them.&nbsp;

The May 20 flare released X-rays and gamma rays toward Mars, while a coronal mass ejection or CME launched the charged particles. Moving at the speed of light, the X-rays and gamma rays from the flare arrived first, while the charged particles trailed slightly behind, reaching Mars in just tens of minutes.

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As solar storms pummel the Red Planet, <a href="https://twitter.com/MarsCuriosity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarsCuriosity</a> and its radiation detector are preparing for future human explorers. 
 
On May 20, Curiosity received a radiation dose equivalent to 30 chest X-rays. <a href="https://t.co/TDz6Nsm3Lz">https://t.co/TDz6Nsm3Lz</a> <a href="https://t.co/L5c0faLqe7">pic.twitter.com/L5c0faLqe7</a>
— NASA Mars (@NASAMars) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAMars/status/1800233531374997626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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“If astronauts had been standing next to NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover at the time, they would have received a radiation dose of 8,100 micrograys — equivalent to 30 chest X-rays. While not deadly, it was the biggest surge measured by Curiosity’s Radiation Assessment Detector, or RAD, since the rover landed 12 years ago,” revealed NASA in its official report.

<h2>Were Auroras seen over Mars?</h2>

As per data from the Solar Orbiter, so much energy from the storm was released on May 20 that the surface of the planet in black-and-white images from the Curiosity’s navigation cameras appears to be “dancing with snow”. These dancing snow particles were actually&nbsp;white streaks and specks caused by&nbsp;charged particles when they hit the cameras.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-collision-with-interstellar-space-clouds-triggered-ice-age-and-existence-of-humans-study-730745">Earth's collision with interstellar space clouds triggered Ice Age and existence of humans: study</a>

High above Curiosity, NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) orbiter captured another effect of the recent solar activity- glowing auroras over the planet. However, the way these auroras occur is different than those seen on Earth.

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See those moving specks? 
 
Recently, my routine dust monitoring coincided with a major solar event hitting the Red Planet, and the charged particles that hit my camera caused distortions. It's the biggest radiation surge I've detected since landing in 2012! <a href="https://t.co/rmowp0RmT4">https://t.co/rmowp0RmT4</a> <a href="https://t.co/TAZUghtlhe">pic.twitter.com/TAZUghtlhe</a>
— Curiosity Rover (@MarsCuriosity) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarsCuriosity/status/1800204031308271999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Our planet is protected from charged particles by a robust magnetic field, which normally limits auroras to regions near the poles. But Mars lost its internally generated magnetic field in the past, so there’s no protection from the barrage of energetic particles. When charged particles hit the Martian atmosphere, it results in auroras that engulf the entire planet.

"During solar events, the Sun releases a wide range of energetic particles. Only the most energetic can reach the surface to be measured by RAD. Slightly less energetic particles, those that cause auroras, are sensed by MAVEN’s Solar Energetic Particle instrument," said NASA.&nbsp;

“This was the largest solar energetic particle event that MAVEN has ever seen,” said MAVEN Space Weather Lead, Christina Lee of the University of California, Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Our Sun is going through major mood swings, called solar maximum in technical words, which is the season of peak activity on solar surface. During this period, the Sun produces a lot of solar flares which eventually turn into solar storms that can cause atmospheric phenomenon like auroras or northern lights.

Our Sun is going through major mood swings, called solar maximum in technical words, which is the season of peak activity on solar surface. During this period, the Sun produces a lot of solar flares which eventually turn into solar storms that can cause atmospheric phenomenon like auroras or northern lights. Recently, we saw auroras being brought down to many far south places, like in Alabama, due to these solar storms. Scientists were on standby to observe such an event on Mars as well. Finally, on May 20, NASA recorded a solar flare, which they are calling “the biggest event”, whose details were released on Monday (June 10). Also Read | Mars lake discovery debunked? New study challenges evidence of subsurface water On May 20, a solar flare of X12 class was detected by the Solar Orbiter spacecraft, which is a joint mission between ESA and NASA. X-class flares are known to be the strongest of several types of them. The May 20 flare released X-rays and gamma rays toward Mars, while a coronal mass ejection or CME launched the charged particles. Moving at the speed of light, the X-rays and gamma rays from the flare arrived first, while the charged particles trailed slightly behind, reaching Mars in just tens of minutes. As solar storms pummel the Red Planet, @MarsCuriosity and its radiation detector are preparing for future human explorers. On May 20, Curiosity received a radiation dose equivalent to 30 chest X-rays. https://t.co/TDz6Nsm3Lz pic.twitter.com/L5c0faLqe7 — NASA Mars (@NASAMars) June 10, 2024 × “If astronauts had been standing next to NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover at the time, they would have received a radiation dose of 8,100 micrograys — equivalent to 30 chest X-rays. While not deadly, it was the biggest surge measured by Curiosity’s Radiation Assessment Detector, or RAD, since the rover landed 12 years ago,” revealed NASA in its official report. Were Auroras seen over Mars? As per data from the Solar Orbiter, so much energy from the storm was released on May 20 that the surface of the planet in black-and-white images from the Curiosity’s navigation cameras appears to be “dancing with snow”. These dancing snow particles were actually white streaks and specks caused by charged particles when they hit the cameras. Also Read | Earth's collision with interstellar space clouds triggered Ice Age and existence of humans: study High above Curiosity, NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) orbiter captured another effect of the recent solar activity- glowing auroras over the planet. However, the way these auroras occur is different than those seen on Earth. See those moving specks? Recently, my routine dust monitoring coincided with a major solar event hitting the Red Planet, and the charged particles that hit my camera caused distortions. It's the biggest radiation surge I've detected since landing in 2012! https://t.co/rmowp0RmT4 pic.twitter.com/TAZUghtlhe — Curiosity Rover (@MarsCuriosity) June 10, 2024 × Our planet is protected from charged particles by a robust magnetic field, which normally limits auroras to regions near the poles. But Mars lost its internally generated magnetic field in the past, so there’s no protection from the barrage of energetic particles. When charged particles hit the Martian atmosphere, it results in auroras that engulf the entire planet. "During solar events, the Sun releases a wide range of energetic particles. Only the most energetic can reach the surface to be measured by RAD. Slightly less energetic particles, those that cause auroras, are sensed by MAVEN’s Solar Energetic Particle instrument," said NASA. “This was the largest solar energetic particle event that MAVEN has ever seen,” said MAVEN Space Weather Lead, Christina Lee of the University of California, Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory. (With inputs from agencies)

Auroras over Mars? NASA observes Mars flare-up during epic solar storm

Scientists have been hunting for one sign of life on Mars and even the slightest presence of water can prove to be a breakthrough.&nbsp;

In this hunt for alien life, scientists have now made a discovery by detecting the patches of water frost equal to "60 Olympic-size swimming pools" on the Martian volcanoes.

The scientists spotted thin and widespread layers of water frost which were spotted atop three of Tharsis volcanoes in Mars, as per a new study published in the journal&nbsp;Nature Geoscience.

The volcanoes are located on a plateau at the equator of the planet. The Tharsis volcanoes, which are a series of 12 large peaks, are the tallest volcanoes present in our solar system, as per the study.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysterious-hole-appears-on-surface-of-mars-whats-hiding-in-there-aliens-727237">Mysterious hole appears on surface of Mars. What's hiding in there? Aliens?</a>

The study further emphasised that the water frost was discovered on the volcanoes Olympus, Arsia Ascraeus Mons, and Ceraunius Tholus.

In a press release, researchers from Brown University said, "The researchers calculate the frost constitutes at least 150,000 tonnes of water that swap between the surface and atmosphere each day during the cold seasons. That's the equivalent of roughly 60 Olympic-size swimming pools."

<h2>European Space Agency's missions capture water frost</h2>

The European Space Agency's Mars Express and ExoMars missions clicked 30,000 images of the water frost while orbiting the planet and a team of international researchers then analysed the planet, as per the study.

The thin layer of frost found was approximately "one-hundredth of a millimetre thick or about the width of a human hair," as per the study. The study added that they are formed during sunrise and eventually evaporate amid daylight hours.

In a press release, lead author of study and postdoctoral fellow at Brown University Adomas Valantinas said, "We thought it was impossible for frost to form around Mars' equator, as the mix of sunshine and thin atmosphere keeps temperatures during the day relatively high at both the surface and mountaintop — unlike what we see on Earth, where you might expect to see frosty peaks."

Speaking about the frost discovery to AFP, Paris-Saclay University's &nbsp;Frederic Schmidt said, "We saw a shiny, blue deposit there, a particular texture that we only see in the early morning and during the cold seasons."

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Is China practicing placing payload in space?

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"What we're seeing may be a remnant of an ancient climate cycle on modern Mars, where you had precipitation and maybe even snowfall on these volcanoes in the past," he added,

As per the study, the water frost is present on the calderas of the volcanoes which are huge depressions present at the top of the summit that were formed after eruptions in the past.

Speaking about the presence of water on Martian Earth ESA scientist Colin Wilson said, “Finding water on the surface of Mars is always exciting, both for scientific interest and for its implications for human and robotic exploration."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scientists have been hunting for one sign of life on Mars and even the slightest presence of water can prove to be a breakthrough. In this hunt for alien life, scientists have now made a discovery by detecting the patches of water frost equal to "60 Olympic-size swimming pools" on the Martian volcanoes.

Scientists have been hunting for one sign of life on Mars and even the slightest presence of water can prove to be a breakthrough. In this hunt for alien life, scientists have now made a discovery by detecting the patches of water frost equal to "60 Olympic-size swimming pools" on the Martian volcanoes. The scientists spotted thin and widespread layers of water frost which were spotted atop three of Tharsis volcanoes in Mars, as per a new study published in the journal Nature Geoscience. The volcanoes are located on a plateau at the equator of the planet. The Tharsis volcanoes, which are a series of 12 large peaks, are the tallest volcanoes present in our solar system, as per the study. Also Read: Mysterious hole appears on surface of Mars. What's hiding in there? Aliens? The study further emphasised that the water frost was discovered on the volcanoes Olympus, Arsia Ascraeus Mons, and Ceraunius Tholus. In a press release, researchers from Brown University said, "The researchers calculate the frost constitutes at least 150,000 tonnes of water that swap between the surface and atmosphere each day during the cold seasons. That's the equivalent of roughly 60 Olympic-size swimming pools." European Space Agency's missions capture water frost The European Space Agency's Mars Express and ExoMars missions clicked 30,000 images of the water frost while orbiting the planet and a team of international researchers then analysed the planet, as per the study. The thin layer of frost found was approximately "one-hundredth of a millimetre thick or about the width of a human hair," as per the study. The study added that they are formed during sunrise and eventually evaporate amid daylight hours. In a press release, lead author of study and postdoctoral fellow at Brown University Adomas Valantinas said, "We thought it was impossible for frost to form around Mars' equator, as the mix of sunshine and thin atmosphere keeps temperatures during the day relatively high at both the surface and mountaintop — unlike what we see on Earth, where you might expect to see frosty peaks." Speaking about the frost discovery to AFP, Paris-Saclay University's Frederic Schmidt said, "We saw a shiny, blue deposit there, a particular texture that we only see in the early morning and during the cold seasons." Watch: Gravitas: Is China practicing placing payload in space? "What we're seeing may be a remnant of an ancient climate cycle on modern Mars, where you had precipitation and maybe even snowfall on these volcanoes in the past," he added, As per the study, the water frost is present on the calderas of the volcanoes which are huge depressions present at the top of the summit that were formed after eruptions in the past. Speaking about the presence of water on Martian Earth ESA scientist Colin Wilson said, “Finding water on the surface of Mars is always exciting, both for scientific interest and for its implications for human and robotic exploration." (With inputs from agencies)

Water on Mars! Early morning frost spotted on volcanoes in breakthrough discovery

A new study has challenged the 2018 discovery of reflections beneath Mars' south polar ice cap, initially thought to be an evidence of a subsurface lake. This revelation, once considered a potential hotspot for extraterrestrial life, now appears less likely given the new analysis.

<h2>Water under Mars surface</h2>

The initial excitement stemmed from the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS), which detected reflections from 1.5 kilometres underground, spanning an area of 20 kilometres. These signals suggested a buried lake of liquid water, potentially a few centimetres deep.

Subglacial lakes on Earth and the presence of barrier-like ice and dust on Mars fuelled speculation that such a lake could exist without evaporating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cryptoterrestrials-living-among-us-harvard-researchers-suggest-ancient-races-are-hiding-in-volcanoes-730464">'Cryptoterrestrials' living among us? Harvard researchers suggest ancient races are hiding in volcanoes</a>

However, recent research led by Dr Daniel Lalich from Cornell University suggests that these reflections could be produced by layers of dusty ice with small variations in composition and spacing. These layers could cause radar waves to constructively interfere, mimicking the signal expected from a subsurface lake. This study has been published in Science Advances.

"I can't say it's impossible that there's liquid water down there, but we're showing that there are much simpler ways to get the same observation without having to stretch that far, using mechanisms and materials that we already know exist there," said Dr Lalich in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meet-koleken-inakayali-scientists-discover-dinosaur-with-puny-arms-that-rival-tyrannosaurus-rex-730491">Meet Koleken inakayali: Scientists discover dinosaur with puny arms that rival Tyrannosaurus Rex</a>

"Just through random chance you can create the same observed signal in the radar."

Previously too, experts have raised questions on the presence of water on Mars. The red planets' extreme cold, especially at the poles, casts further doubt on the presence of liquid water, even with high salinity. Previous theories about carbon dioxide ice or clay also failed to match the MARSIS data.

A new study has challenged the 2018 discovery of reflections beneath Mars' south polar ice cap, initially thought to be an evidence of a subsurface lake. This revelation, once considered a potential hotspot for extraterrestrial life, now appears less likely given the new analysis.

A new study has challenged the 2018 discovery of reflections beneath Mars' south polar ice cap, initially thought to be an evidence of a subsurface lake. This revelation, once considered a potential hotspot for extraterrestrial life, now appears less likely given the new analysis. Water under Mars surface The initial excitement stemmed from the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS), which detected reflections from 1.5 kilometres underground, spanning an area of 20 kilometres. These signals suggested a buried lake of liquid water, potentially a few centimetres deep. Subglacial lakes on Earth and the presence of barrier-like ice and dust on Mars fuelled speculation that such a lake could exist without evaporating. Also read | 'Cryptoterrestrials' living among us? Harvard researchers suggest ancient races are hiding in volcanoes However, recent research led by Dr Daniel Lalich from Cornell University suggests that these reflections could be produced by layers of dusty ice with small variations in composition and spacing. These layers could cause radar waves to constructively interfere, mimicking the signal expected from a subsurface lake. This study has been published in Science Advances. "I can't say it's impossible that there's liquid water down there, but we're showing that there are much simpler ways to get the same observation without having to stretch that far, using mechanisms and materials that we already know exist there," said Dr Lalich in a statement. Also read | Meet Koleken inakayali: Scientists discover dinosaur with puny arms that rival Tyrannosaurus Rex "Just through random chance you can create the same observed signal in the radar." Previously too, experts have raised questions on the presence of water on Mars. The red planets' extreme cold, especially at the poles, casts further doubt on the presence of liquid water, even with high salinity. Previous theories about carbon dioxide ice or clay also failed to match the MARSIS data.

Mars lake discovery debunked? New study challenges evidence of subsurface water

NASA has awarded nearly $1.5 million each to seven companies for studies aimed at exploring more cost-effective methods for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission. The&nbsp; program, which has encountered challenges due to its high cost is currently estimated at $11 billion and involves a&nbsp;plan requiring multiple launches to Mars.

Given the high costs and complexities, NASA is seeking simpler and more affordable methods through studies submitted by industry and academic groups. These studies are aimed at optimising the MSR architecture to reduce risks, expedite the timeline, and lower costs.

MSR, a multi-mission campaign with the ambitious goal of collecting samples from the surface of Mars and returning them to Earth, is a collaborative effort between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).

The selected companies, including Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Quantum Space, and Northrop Grumman, will each conduct ten three-month-long studies to develop innovative approaches.

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The mission, in its original form, would place a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) on the Martian surface to retrieve samples collected by the Perseverance rover. These samples would then be launched into orbit by the MAV, where a spacecraft would collect them and return them to Earth.

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NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, along with Johns Hopkins' Applied Physics Laboratory, is also contributing to these studies. NASA is planning to review all findings to consider possible modifications or improvements to the MSR mission plan.

<h2>Looking into innovative ideas</h2>

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that the mission will be "critical to carry it out more quickly, with less risk, and at a lower cost." He added, "I'm excited to see the vision that these companies, centres, and partners present as we look for fresh, exciting, and innovative ideas to uncover great cosmic secrets from the Red Planet."

Watch | Energy drinks linked to sudden cardiac arrests, says new study | Gravitas

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The Mars Sample Return mission is part of NASA's broader effort to understand Mars' early history and the formation and evolution of habitable worlds, including Earth.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has awarded nearly $1.5 million each to seven companies for studies aimed at exploring more cost-effective methods for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission.

NASA has awarded nearly $1.5 million each to seven companies for studies aimed at exploring more cost-effective methods for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission. The program, which has encountered challenges due to its high cost is currently estimated at $11 billion and involves a plan requiring multiple launches to Mars. Given the high costs and complexities, NASA is seeking simpler and more affordable methods through studies submitted by industry and academic groups. These studies are aimed at optimising the MSR architecture to reduce risks, expedite the timeline, and lower costs. MSR, a multi-mission campaign with the ambitious goal of collecting samples from the surface of Mars and returning them to Earth, is a collaborative effort between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). The selected companies, including Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Quantum Space, and Northrop Grumman, will each conduct ten three-month-long studies to develop innovative approaches. Also Read | Washington, Vancouver Island as epicentres of future Cascadian earthquakes: Study The mission, in its original form, would place a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) on the Martian surface to retrieve samples collected by the Perseverance rover. These samples would then be launched into orbit by the MAV, where a spacecraft would collect them and return them to Earth. Also Read | Scientists find remains of smallest known great ape in Germany NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, along with Johns Hopkins' Applied Physics Laboratory, is also contributing to these studies. NASA is planning to review all findings to consider possible modifications or improvements to the MSR mission plan. Looking into innovative ideas NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that the mission will be "critical to carry it out more quickly, with less risk, and at a lower cost." He added, "I'm excited to see the vision that these companies, centres, and partners present as we look for fresh, exciting, and innovative ideas to uncover great cosmic secrets from the Red Planet." Watch | Energy drinks linked to sudden cardiac arrests, says new study | Gravitas × The Mars Sample Return mission is part of NASA's broader effort to understand Mars' early history and the formation and evolution of habitable worlds, including Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA awards over $10mn grants to explore innovative Mars sample return methods

The European Space Agency (ESA) on May 30 released a new orbiter flyover footage of Mars that features the strikingly diverse surface of the Red Planet, covered in all manner of scratches and scars, providing insight into the events of its ancient past.

Created using data from the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), the new video depicts the fractured, uneven appearance of the Nili Fossae trenches.&nbsp;

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It also offers a bird's eye view of the nearby Jezero Crater, where NASA's Perseverance rover landed in 2021 to search for signs of life that may have once inhabited the ancient lake that filled the crater.

<h2>The Nili Fossae Trenches on Mars</h2>

The Nili Fossae trenches comprise parallel trenches hundreds of metres deep and several hundred kilometres long, stretching out along the eastern edge of a massive 1,900-kilometer-wide impact crater named Isidis Planitia.&nbsp;

The ESA’s Mars Express orbiter, which arrived at the Red Planet in 2003, surveyed Mars' Nili Fossae trenches. These trenches have been a cynosure of scientists in recent years because of the prospect of revelations about Mars’s ancient and water-rich past.

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"Scientists have focused on Nili Fossae in recent years due to the impressive amount and diversity of minerals found in this area, including silicates, carbonates, and clays — many of which were discovered by Mars Express' OMEGA instrument," ESA officials said in the description of the orbiter's recent video on YouTube.&nbsp;

"These minerals form in the presence of water, indicating that this region was very wet in ancient Martian history," the officials further said.

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These trenches are believed to have formed following a colossal meteorite impact some 4 billion years ago. Following the impact, which created the Isidis Planitia crater, areas of the Martian surface would have cracked and crumbled, forming the sizeable scars seen by the orbiter today.&nbsp;

According to the ESA, similar features, called Amenthes Fossae, can be found on the other side of the crater too.&nbsp;

"Much of the ground here formed over 3.5 billion years ago, when surface water was abundant across Mars," ESA officials wrote in the video description.&nbsp;

"Scientists believe that water flowed not only across the surface here but also beneath it, forming underground hydrothermal flows that were heated by ancient volcanoes," the description further read.

Researchers used images captured by the orbiter, along with digital terrain models of Mars to create the 3D rendering of the landscape used for the flyover video.&nbsp;

This data not only aids in understanding Mars' past but also helps inform scientists where to land exploratory spacecraft in the future.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Space Agency (ESA) on May 30 released a new orbiter flyover footage of Mars that features the strikingly diverse surface of the Red Planet, covered in all manner of scratches and scars, providing insight into the events of its ancient past.

The European Space Agency (ESA) on May 30 released a new orbiter flyover footage of Mars that features the strikingly diverse surface of the Red Planet, covered in all manner of scratches and scars, providing insight into the events of its ancient past. Created using data from the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), the new video depicts the fractured, uneven appearance of the Nili Fossae trenches. × It also offers a bird's eye view of the nearby Jezero Crater, where NASA's Perseverance rover landed in 2021 to search for signs of life that may have once inhabited the ancient lake that filled the crater. The Nili Fossae Trenches on Mars The Nili Fossae trenches comprise parallel trenches hundreds of metres deep and several hundred kilometres long, stretching out along the eastern edge of a massive 1,900-kilometer-wide impact crater named Isidis Planitia. The ESA’s Mars Express orbiter, which arrived at the Red Planet in 2003, surveyed Mars' Nili Fossae trenches. These trenches have been a cynosure of scientists in recent years because of the prospect of revelations about Mars’s ancient and water-rich past. Also read: Boeing Starliner suffered helium leaks before historic space station docking "Scientists have focused on Nili Fossae in recent years due to the impressive amount and diversity of minerals found in this area, including silicates, carbonates, and clays — many of which were discovered by Mars Express' OMEGA instrument," ESA officials said in the description of the orbiter's recent video on YouTube. "These minerals form in the presence of water, indicating that this region was very wet in ancient Martian history," the officials further said. Also read: NASA`s new Instagram augmented reality filter brings universe to your fingertips These trenches are believed to have formed following a colossal meteorite impact some 4 billion years ago. Following the impact, which created the Isidis Planitia crater, areas of the Martian surface would have cracked and crumbled, forming the sizeable scars seen by the orbiter today. According to the ESA, similar features, called Amenthes Fossae, can be found on the other side of the crater too. "Much of the ground here formed over 3.5 billion years ago, when surface water was abundant across Mars," ESA officials wrote in the video description. "Scientists believe that water flowed not only across the surface here but also beneath it, forming underground hydrothermal flows that were heated by ancient volcanoes," the description further read. Researchers used images captured by the orbiter, along with digital terrain models of Mars to create the 3D rendering of the landscape used for the flyover video. This data not only aids in understanding Mars' past but also helps inform scientists where to land exploratory spacecraft in the future. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: New breathtaking video of Mars’s scarred canyons offers insight into its eventful past

Mars is believed to be more prone to devastation from asteroids than what was believed earlier. Studies suggest that this may pose a risk to future Mars missions that have been planned to investigate whether Mars can be an alternative for human inhabitation.

<h2>What is the risk posed by asteroids?</h2>

Asteroids are small rocky objects that orbit the sun and pose a threat to the planets in the solar system. Back in 2013, the Chelyabinsk meteor caused devastation on Earth by injuring over 1,000 people and causing more than $33 million&nbsp;worth of infrastructure damage.

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Since Mars is located directly adjacent to the main belt, which is a region of rocky debris between Mars and Jupiter's orbits without any planets, it is more at risk of devastation from asteroids.

<h2>What do studies suggest?</h2>

A doctoral student in astronomy at Nanjing University China, Yufan Fane Zhou has taken the daunting task of analysing the asteroids that have the potential to cause damage to Mars. He has given them the name CAPHAs, which is short for close approach potentially hazardous asteroids.

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Study co-author &nbsp;Zhou said, as per LiveScience, "As human visits to Mars become more frequent, the threat posed by Mars-CAPHAs may increasingly be taken seriously." On the contrary, he believes that these asteroids can further help understand the&nbsp;environment on Mars in greater detail and aid astronomers in understanding the history of the planet.

<h2>Is Mars at a greater risk of devastation from asteroids than Earth?</h2>

Studying the impact of CAPHAs on Mars was a mammoth exercise for Zhou and his team. They created a simulation along with all eight planets of the solar system and asteroids for the same.

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The main belt is where all of these asteroids were first formed. The scientists then classified around 10,000 asteroids as "near-gap" by examining each asteroid's distance from six known gaps, which were asteroid-poor areas within the main belt where runaway rocks could potentially slip out.

It was deduced that roughly 52 asteroids wander close to Mars every Earth year, which is approximately 2.6 times more than the asteroids that approach Earth every year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Mars is believed to be more prone to devastation from asteroids than what was believed earlier. Studies suggest that this may pose a risk to future Mars missions that have been planned to investigate whether Mars can be an alternative for human inhabitation.

Mars is believed to be more prone to devastation from asteroids than what was believed earlier. Studies suggest that this may pose a risk to future Mars missions that have been planned to investigate whether Mars can be an alternative for human inhabitation. What is the risk posed by asteroids? Asteroids are small rocky objects that orbit the sun and pose a threat to the planets in the solar system. Back in 2013, the Chelyabinsk meteor caused devastation on Earth by injuring over 1,000 people and causing more than $33 million worth of infrastructure damage. Also read | Blue-eyed individuals share common ancestor, claims genetic research Since Mars is located directly adjacent to the main belt, which is a region of rocky debris between Mars and Jupiter's orbits without any planets, it is more at risk of devastation from asteroids. What do studies suggest? A doctoral student in astronomy at Nanjing University China, Yufan Fane Zhou has taken the daunting task of analysing the asteroids that have the potential to cause damage to Mars. He has given them the name CAPHAs, which is short for close approach potentially hazardous asteroids. Watch | China: US trying to build an Asia-Pacific version of NATO Study co-author Zhou said, as per LiveScience, "As human visits to Mars become more frequent, the threat posed by Mars-CAPHAs may increasingly be taken seriously." On the contrary, he believes that these asteroids can further help understand the environment on Mars in greater detail and aid astronomers in understanding the history of the planet. Is Mars at a greater risk of devastation from asteroids than Earth? Studying the impact of CAPHAs on Mars was a mammoth exercise for Zhou and his team. They created a simulation along with all eight planets of the solar system and asteroids for the same. Also read | Blood test predicts breast cancer recurrence years in advance The main belt is where all of these asteroids were first formed. The scientists then classified around 10,000 asteroids as "near-gap" by examining each asteroid's distance from six known gaps, which were asteroid-poor areas within the main belt where runaway rocks could potentially slip out. It was deduced that roughly 52 asteroids wander close to Mars every Earth year, which is approximately 2.6 times more than the asteroids that approach Earth every year. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroids can cause catastrophe on Mars and scientists are worried. Here's why

Researchers said they were able to study the way volcanism shaped the crust and mantle of Mars based on the meteorites that broke off the red planet and landed on Earth, millions of years ago, according to the research published in Science Advances. &nbsp;

<h2>About the study</h2>

The researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego said that they were able to ascertain that Mars has a distinct structure in its mantle and crust with discernible reservoirs thanks to the meteorites which broke off the red planet 11 million years ago.&nbsp;

“Martian meteorites are the only physical materials we have available from Mars,” said geologist James Day from the Scripps Oceanography Institute. The rocks analysed by Day and his team came in two forms – chassignites and nakhlites.&nbsp;

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The rocks allowed researchers to “make precise and accurate measurements and then quantify processes that occurred within Mars and close to the martian surface,” the geologist added.&nbsp;

He added, “They provide direct information on Mars’ composition that can ground truth mission science, like the ongoing Perseverance rover operations taking place there.”

One of the meteorites examined was chassignites, after a rock found in 1815 in Chassign, France and nakhlites after a specimen uncovered in Nakhla, Egypt, in 1905.

<h2>What did the researchers find?</h2>

According to the study, the two kinds of rocks also have different compositions, with nakhlite being a basaltic form of rock which includes minerals like augite and olivine. However, chassignite is almost entirely olivine.

After the analysis of the rocks, researchers found that they were once formed in the same Martian volcano around 1.3 billion years ago.&nbsp;

Upon careful examination and comparison, they were also able to determine that nakhlites were part of the Martian crust and the chassignites were part of the mantle below.&nbsp;

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According to Day, by determining that the two rock formations are from the same volcanic system and that they interacted with Martian crust that was altered by atmospheric interactions, researchers can now identify a new rock type on the red planet.&nbsp;

He also noted that Mars’ volcanism has “incredible similarities,” but also differences to that of Earth’s. According to Day, similar nakhlites and chassignites were found in recent volcanism in places like Oahu in Hawaii.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the reservoirs in Mars are “extremely ancient” and seemed to have separated from one another shortly after the red planet formed, the researcher added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Researchers said they were able to study the way volcanism shaped the crust and mantle of Mars based on the meteorites that broke off the red planet and landed on Earth, millions of years ago, according to the research published in Science Advances.

Researchers said they were able to study the way volcanism shaped the crust and mantle of Mars based on the meteorites that broke off the red planet and landed on Earth, millions of years ago, according to the research published in Science Advances. About the study The researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego said that they were able to ascertain that Mars has a distinct structure in its mantle and crust with discernible reservoirs thanks to the meteorites which broke off the red planet 11 million years ago. “Martian meteorites are the only physical materials we have available from Mars,” said geologist James Day from the Scripps Oceanography Institute. The rocks analysed by Day and his team came in two forms – chassignites and nakhlites. Also Read | NASA debunks reports of ‘planetary parade’, gives list of celestial events for June The rocks allowed researchers to “make precise and accurate measurements and then quantify processes that occurred within Mars and close to the martian surface,” the geologist added. He added, “They provide direct information on Mars’ composition that can ground truth mission science, like the ongoing Perseverance rover operations taking place there.” One of the meteorites examined was chassignites, after a rock found in 1815 in Chassign, France and nakhlites after a specimen uncovered in Nakhla, Egypt, in 1905. What did the researchers find? According to the study, the two kinds of rocks also have different compositions, with nakhlite being a basaltic form of rock which includes minerals like augite and olivine. However, chassignite is almost entirely olivine. After the analysis of the rocks, researchers found that they were once formed in the same Martian volcano around 1.3 billion years ago. Upon careful examination and comparison, they were also able to determine that nakhlites were part of the Martian crust and the chassignites were part of the mantle below. Also Read | A group of mammals suddenly disappeared 50,000 years ago. Ancient bone collagen might tell why According to Day, by determining that the two rock formations are from the same volcanic system and that they interacted with Martian crust that was altered by atmospheric interactions, researchers can now identify a new rock type on the red planet. He also noted that Mars’ volcanism has “incredible similarities,” but also differences to that of Earth’s. According to Day, similar nakhlites and chassignites were found in recent volcanism in places like Oahu in Hawaii. On the other hand, the reservoirs in Mars are “extremely ancient” and seemed to have separated from one another shortly after the red planet formed, the researcher added. (With inputs from agencies)

Millions of years old pieces of Mars that landed on Earth reveal ancient volcanic secret

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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

<h2>Here's what scientists have speculated about the Martian hole</h2>

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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

<h2>Lava tube - a habitat of aliens?</h2>

It is important to understand the nature of such formations on the surface of Mars for future human exploration.&nbsp;

If the hole actually goes to a lava tube then it has the possibility of becoming an ideal habitable zone.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Cosmic hello from 226 million kilometres

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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.&nbsp;

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 life&nbsp;systems which are important for long-term human presence on Mars.

(With inputs from agencies)

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.

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. Also Read: Here's how NASA is planning to reduce travel time between Mars and Earth 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. Watch: Gravitas: Cosmic hello from 226 million kilometres 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 life systems which are important for long-term human presence on Mars. (With inputs from agencies)

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

US space agency NASA has collaborated with a private company to develop a new rocket that can reduce space travel time between Earth and Mars. The scientists will design the engine of this rocket in a way to sharply increase the amount of thrust for accelerating space travel and take rocket efficiency to another level.

US space agency NASA has collaborated with a private company to develop a new rocket that can reduce space travel time between Earth and Mars. The scientists will design the engine of this rocket in a way to sharply increase the amount of thrust for accelerating space travel and take rocket efficiency to another level. Thrust is the force which lifts the spacecraft in the air. A propulsion system produces this thrust by burning a gas or liquid fuel at the back of a spacecraft to propel it forward at high speed. The new design, which is known as the Pulsed Plasma Rocket (PPR), is being developed by Howe Industries, an Arizona-based company. Currently, the company is in the early stages of studying the technology after which they will start working on building engine models. Also Read: NASA launches satellite PREFIRE to monitor, predict and help mitigate climate change Howe Industries, in a recent statement, said, "Such rocket technology will be needed to support NASA’s plans to return humans to the moon and, after that, possibly Mars." A goal has been established by the space agency for building a long-term base in space. However, one hurdle in all these plans is the long travel times required in the current spacecraft systems. As per the estimated distance of NASA, the moon is around 382,500 kilometres away from Earth. The distance between Earth and its satellite keeps on changing because of the moon's orbit. The average distance between Earth and Mars is 225 million kilometres. NASA says SLS rocket system is most powerful one built till now NASA said it takes at least 200 days to reach Mars from Earth with existing spacecraft. The proposed Pulsed Plasma Rocket's developers said that it could reduce travel time to the red planet to around two months one way. Howe Industries said that the new design has given the rocket the power to reach extremely high speeds for completing “reasonable” space travel times. Watch: NASA restores contact with Voyager 1 after months of silence According to the development team's estimates, the PPR system has the capacity to produce around 100,000 Newtons of thrust. According to NASA, its Space Launch System (SLS) is the most powerful one ever built. The agency said that the SLS rocket system is likely to provide around 53 Newtons of thrust amid space travel. PPR's developers said that along with a huge increase in thrust, the new design also gives a “specific impulse” rate of 5,000. Specific impulse is a method which is used to measure the levels of thrust and efficiency in rocket engines in seconds. (With inputs from agencies)

Here's how NASA is planning to reduce travel time between Mars and Earth

US billionaire Elon Musk has claimed&nbsp;in an interview that he is an alien but complained that nobody believes him. He was speaking at the Viva Tech event, where he jokingly said something that left the audience stunned. When the host told Musk that some people thought him&nbsp;to be&nbsp;an alien, the Tesla boss replied:&nbsp;"I am an alien.”

“Yes, I keep telling people&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;an alien, but nobody believes me,”&nbsp;he added.

The host quipped that the&nbsp;real&nbsp;truth about Musk has now&nbsp;been unveiled.

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🚨IS ELON AN ALIEN? 
 
Host: 
 
"Some people believe that you are an alien." 
 
Elon: 
 
"I am an alien." 
 
Host: 
 
"Now you've been uncovered." 
 
Elon: 
 
"Yes, I keep telling people I'm an alien, but nobody believes me." 
 
😂 
 
Source: Viva Tech <a href="https://t.co/9ie5KFn6GE">https://t.co/9ie5KFn6GE</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZDU4ovA82I">pic.twitter.com/ZDU4ovA82I</a>
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1793684255228228008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Musk added that if he ever found evidence of alien life, he would share it on social media platform X.&nbsp;“Maybe&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;alone in this galaxy, maybe&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;just us and our consciousness is extremely fragile,"&nbsp;Musk said.

When asked about life on Mars, Musk said,&nbsp;"I think we will have the first people on Mars probably within 10 years, maybe seven to eight.&nbsp;SpaceX’s&nbsp;long-term goal is to make life multi-planetary. We need to become a sustainable multi-planet civilisation. This is the first time in the history of the Earth when it is possible to do so. That capability might be only open for the short term."

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He also came down heavily on Google and its chatbot Gemini, saying it was&nbsp;important&nbsp;to train the AI for not being politically&nbsp;correct

"Political correctness is often simply not true, and that means&nbsp;you're&nbsp;programming AI to lie, and I think that will backfire very badly. Honesty is the best policy,"&nbsp;he said.

Musk, who is a master of having interesting, playful&nbsp;yet&nbsp;insightful conversations, further drew a parallel between artificial intelligence and the human brain.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiHgYaHj6mGAxVl-jgGHYSdBIwQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-says-ai-will-eliminate-all-jobs-calls-it-his-biggest-fear-725004" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-says-ai-will-eliminate-all-jobs-calls-it-his-biggest-fear-725004&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiHgYaHj6mGAxVl-jgGHYSdBIwQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Elon Musk says AI will eliminate all jobs, calls it his ‘biggest fear’</a>

He asked the audience to imagine our brains as having two&nbsp;big&nbsp;sections: one is all about instincts and emotions, while the other does the thinking and planning. He said the thinking part is like the boss, always trying to keep the emotional part happy.

Elon Musk thinks artificial intelligence (AI) could work the same way. The AI might act like the boss, aiming to keep humans (who are like the emotional part) content and satisfied.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US billionaire Elon Musk has claimed in an interview that he is an alien but complained that nobody believes him. He was speaking at the Viva Tech event, where he jokingly said something that left the audience stunned.

US billionaire Elon Musk has claimed in an interview that he is an alien but complained that nobody believes him. He was speaking at the Viva Tech event, where he jokingly said something that left the audience stunned. When the host told Musk that some people thought him to be an alien, the Tesla boss replied: "I am an alien.” “Yes, I keep telling people I'm an alien, but nobody believes me,” he added. The host quipped that the real truth about Musk has now been unveiled. 🚨IS ELON AN ALIEN? Host: "Some people believe that you are an alien." Elon: "I am an alien." Host: "Now you've been uncovered." Elon: "Yes, I keep telling people I'm an alien, but nobody believes me." 😂 Source: Viva Tech https://t.co/9ie5KFn6GE pic.twitter.com/ZDU4ovA82I — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 23, 2024 × Musk added that if he ever found evidence of alien life, he would share it on social media platform X. “Maybe we’re alone in this galaxy, maybe it’s just us and our consciousness is extremely fragile," Musk said. When asked about life on Mars, Musk said, "I think we will have the first people on Mars probably within 10 years, maybe seven to eight. SpaceX’s long-term goal is to make life multi-planetary. We need to become a sustainable multi-planet civilisation. This is the first time in the history of the Earth when it is possible to do so. That capability might be only open for the short term." Also read: Tesla`s Musk opposes new US tariffs on Chinese EVs, reverses previous stance He also came down heavily on Google and its chatbot Gemini, saying it was important to train the AI for not being politically correct "Political correctness is often simply not true, and that means you're programming AI to lie, and I think that will backfire very badly. Honesty is the best policy," he said. Musk, who is a master of having interesting, playful yet insightful conversations, further drew a parallel between artificial intelligence and the human brain. Also read: Elon Musk says AI will eliminate all jobs, calls it his ‘biggest fear’ He asked the audience to imagine our brains as having two big sections: one is all about instincts and emotions, while the other does the thinking and planning. He said the thinking part is like the boss, always trying to keep the emotional part happy. Elon Musk thinks artificial intelligence (AI) could work the same way. The AI might act like the boss, aiming to keep humans (who are like the emotional part) content and satisfied. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Elon Musk claims he is an alien, talks about life on Mars

Earth faced a massive solar flare fired off sunspot AR3664 last week, offering space enthusiasts a god-sent opportunity to witness auroras. Last week, our home planet Earth was in the direct firing line of the massive coronal mass ejection. This week, another planet&nbsp;is going to&nbsp;face the wrath of the&nbsp;massive&nbsp;solar flare: Mars.

"Looking at the measurements of the flare from Mars using the Extreme Ultraviolet Monitor (EUVM) onboard MAVEN, this is by-far the largest flare we’ve seen since MAVEN arrived at Mars in 2014," Dr Ed Thiemann, Heliophysicist at&nbsp;the University of Colorado at Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), was quoted as saying by Space.com.

"We haven't looked at MAVEN's atmospheric measurements yet, but based on prior events, we expect the flare rapidly heated and ionized the Martian upper atmosphere, causing the upper atmospheric temperature to perhaps double for a few hours and inflating the entire daylit hemisphere by tens of km."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjGhJufipeGAxW3zzgGHXYBBR4QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-regenerate-face-of-ancient-egyptian-monarch-the-richest-man-in-history-722594" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-regenerate-face-of-ancient-egyptian-monarch-the-richest-man-in-history-722594&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGhJufipeGAxW3zzgGHXYBBR4QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Scientists regenerate face of ancient Egyptian monarch, `the richest man in history`</a>

Indeed, NASA's Perseverance Mars rover has a front-row position on the Red Planet, enabling it to directly observe the sun with both AR3663 and AR3664 sunspots in its view.&nbsp;

Just like Earth, Mars will be directly affected by the coronal mass ejection (CME) as it crosses its path, leading to interactions with the Martian atmosphere and the generation of a solar storm. As&nbsp;of result&nbsp;of this, aurora might become visible to Perseverance, offering an awe-inspiring spectacle to behold.

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"The CME launched by the flare is on its way and it may cause global-scale aurora and energize Mars's upper ionosphere and magnetosphere," Thiemann said.

Unlike Earth,&nbsp;Mars lacks a magnetic field to&nbsp;protect it from highly charged particles.&nbsp;Therefore, it's significant for MAVEN to remain there and monitor and study Mars's upper atmosphere, particularly during events like this.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earth faced a massive solar flare fired off sunspot AR3664 last week, offering space enthusiasts a god-sent opportunity to witness auroras. Last week, our home planet Earth was in the direct firing line of the massive coronal mass ejection.

Earth faced a massive solar flare fired off sunspot AR3664 last week, offering space enthusiasts a god-sent opportunity to witness auroras. Last week, our home planet Earth was in the direct firing line of the massive coronal mass ejection. This week, another planet is going to face the wrath of the massive solar flare: Mars. "Looking at the measurements of the flare from Mars using the Extreme Ultraviolet Monitor (EUVM) onboard MAVEN, this is by-far the largest flare we’ve seen since MAVEN arrived at Mars in 2014," Dr Ed Thiemann, Heliophysicist at the University of Colorado at Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), was quoted as saying by Space.com. "We haven't looked at MAVEN's atmospheric measurements yet, but based on prior events, we expect the flare rapidly heated and ionized the Martian upper atmosphere, causing the upper atmospheric temperature to perhaps double for a few hours and inflating the entire daylit hemisphere by tens of km." Also read: Scientists regenerate face of ancient Egyptian monarch, `the richest man in history` Indeed, NASA's Perseverance Mars rover has a front-row position on the Red Planet, enabling it to directly observe the sun with both AR3663 and AR3664 sunspots in its view. Just like Earth, Mars will be directly affected by the coronal mass ejection (CME) as it crosses its path, leading to interactions with the Martian atmosphere and the generation of a solar storm. As of result of this, aurora might become visible to Perseverance, offering an awe-inspiring spectacle to behold. Also read: Practice makes a person almost perfect, science confirms "The CME launched by the flare is on its way and it may cause global-scale aurora and energize Mars's upper ionosphere and magnetosphere," Thiemann said. Unlike Earth, Mars lacks a magnetic field to protect it from highly charged particles. Therefore, it's significant for MAVEN to remain there and monitor and study Mars's upper atmosphere, particularly during events like this. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive solar flare sunspot that caused auroras on Earth now targets Mars

In hopes of turning science fiction into reality, NASA has been funding projects which seem far from reality, but if completed can take mankind's achievements in space to new heights.

In hopes of turning science fiction into reality, NASA has been funding projects which seem far from reality, but if completed can take mankind's achievements in space to new heights. Speaking about such ambitious projects, even the space agency's representative John Nelson calls them "science fiction-like concepts". Although there is no guarantee of them materialising, projects like the lunar rail system may become part of an aerospace mission someday. What are these 'ambitious' projects of NASA? These 'ambitious' projects include a fluid-based telescope, a transit system to transfer humans and cargo to Mars and a lunar railway system. These projects are part of NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) programme that has been set aside to be funded for continuous research. Also Read: 'Grab your popcorn', NASA just released mesmerising Nebula timelapses captured by Chandra observatory In all, there are six projects and each of them has completed the initial NIAC phase. Moving into Phase II, the conceptual studies will get more than $600,000 for continuing their research in the next two years. No guarantee of success These projects are still in the exploratory stage and there is no guarantee of success. However, the projects have been moving on the intended path for a future aerospace mission if they reach the final NIAC phase. NIAC programme executive at NASA headquarters in Washington John Nelson said, "Our NIAC fellows never cease to amaze and inspire, and this class definitely gives NASA a lot to think about in terms of what's possible in the future." To advance this space research, a fundamental requirement is ever-larger telescope development. According to NASA's Edward Balaban, it does not appear economically viable to scale current space telescope technologies to aperture sizes beyond 10 metres. "Thus, there is a need for cost-effective solutions to scale space telescopes to larger sizes," he said. What do these projects promise? The FLUTE project gives a potential solution for creating space observatories which have a large aperture or unsegmented liquid primary mirrors. Such liquid primary mirrors get formed in space with the use of fluidic shaping in microgravity, said Balaban. Watch: Strongest sign of alien found: The search for life beyond earth The scientists have already demonstrated this concept in laboratories amid neutral buoyancy environments, aboard the International Space Station and during parabolic microgravity flights. Meanwhile, another project of NASA is the Pulsed Plasma Rocket entailing electric spacecraft propulsion. As of now, no technology allows the shifting of humans and cargo efficiently and rapidly through the vast distances of space. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA working on building rail tracks on Moon, sending humans and cargo to Mars

Signs of life on another planet? People of Earth keep fascinating with scientists making strides to answer this question. In the latest significant development, manganese has been observed on Mars by the NASA Curiosity rover at multiple places. However, the rover found more of it in the Gale crater.&nbsp;

The deposits were detected by the ChemCam instrument which is onboard the rover. The findings, which have been published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets on May 1, suggest that the manganese sediments had formed in a river, delta, or near the shoreline of an ancient lake.&nbsp;

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Patrick Gasda, of Los Alamos National Laboratory's Space Science and Applications group and lead author on the study, said as quoted by phys.org, "It is difficult for manganese oxide to form on the surface of Mars, so we didn't expect to find it in such high concentrations in a shoreline deposit."&nbsp;

"On Earth, these types of deposits happen all the time because of the high oxygen in our atmosphere produced by photosynthetic life, and from microbes that help catalyze those manganese oxidation reactions," he further said.&nbsp;

"On Mars, we don't have evidence for life, and the mechanism to produce oxygen in Mars's ancient atmosphere is unclear, so how the manganese oxide was formed and concentrated here is really puzzling. These findings point to larger processes occurring in the Martian atmosphere or surface water and show that more work needs to be done to understand oxidation on Mars," Gasda added.&nbsp;

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While exploring the results, the researchers analysed how manganese could have been enriched in these sands on Mars. They also attempted to find what oxidant could be responsible for the precipitation of manganese in the rocks. The paper compared the findings with the availability of Manganese on Earth.&nbsp;

On Earth, manganese deposits occur as a result of oxygen in the atmosphere, and the presence of bacteria frequently accelerates this process. Notably, the microbes on Earth can use manganese's many oxidation states as energy for metabolism.&nbsp;

The higher levels of manganese in the rocks along the lake shore on the Red Planet would have been an important energy source for life if life existed on ancient Mars.&nbsp;

Signs of life on another planet? People of Earth keep fascinating with scientists making strides to answer this question. In the latest significant development, manganese has been observed on Mars by the NASA Curiosity rover at multiple places.

Signs of life on another planet? People of Earth keep fascinating with scientists making strides to answer this question. In the latest significant development, manganese has been observed on Mars by the NASA Curiosity rover at multiple places. However, the rover found more of it in the Gale crater. The deposits were detected by the ChemCam instrument which is onboard the rover. The findings, which have been published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets on May 1, suggest that the manganese sediments had formed in a river, delta, or near the shoreline of an ancient lake. Also read: Massive, near X-class, solar flares led to radio blackouts across the Pacific Patrick Gasda, of Los Alamos National Laboratory's Space Science and Applications group and lead author on the study, said as quoted by phys.org, "It is difficult for manganese oxide to form on the surface of Mars, so we didn't expect to find it in such high concentrations in a shoreline deposit." "On Earth, these types of deposits happen all the time because of the high oxygen in our atmosphere produced by photosynthetic life, and from microbes that help catalyze those manganese oxidation reactions," he further said. "On Mars, we don't have evidence for life, and the mechanism to produce oxygen in Mars's ancient atmosphere is unclear, so how the manganese oxide was formed and concentrated here is really puzzling. These findings point to larger processes occurring in the Martian atmosphere or surface water and show that more work needs to be done to understand oxidation on Mars," Gasda added. Also read: 'Surprise'! Scientists discover earliest known galaxies since about beginning of time While exploring the results, the researchers analysed how manganese could have been enriched in these sands on Mars. They also attempted to find what oxidant could be responsible for the precipitation of manganese in the rocks. The paper compared the findings with the availability of Manganese on Earth. On Earth, manganese deposits occur as a result of oxygen in the atmosphere, and the presence of bacteria frequently accelerates this process. Notably, the microbes on Earth can use manganese's many oxidation states as energy for metabolism. The higher levels of manganese in the rocks along the lake shore on the Red Planet would have been an important energy source for life if life existed on ancient Mars.

New study hints at Earth-like condition on ancient Mars: 'These findings point to...'

The dazzling green auroras are illuminating Earth's planetary neighbour Mars as well. According to the data collected by a NASA spacecraft, the invisible "global auroras" have been covering Mars frequently in the recent past.

This is linked to a stage called solar maximum, the peak in the sun's roughly 11-year solar cycle.

<h2>Mars and Auroras: What are they?</h2>

Mars is often bombarded with high energy radiation from the Sun. These rays from the Sun are&nbsp;in the form of solar energetic particles (SEPs). They penetrate the thin atmosphere of Mars and react with the molecules of hydrogen. As a result, the light, seen as Auroras is&nbsp;emitted.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bright-purple-and-green-lights-spotted-in-the-sky-are-not-auroras-but-steve-heres-what-they-are-664130">What's STEVE? After auroras, purple &amp; green lights in skies dazzle earthlings</a>

But notably, the auroras on Mars emit ultraviolet light instead of visible light. That is, unlike Earth, the auroras on Mars cannot be seen with the naked eye.

The Martian auroras are called the proton auroras.

<h2>How did NASA spot Auroras on Mars?</h2>

NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft has been orbiting the Red Planet since 2013.

It detected the first proton auroras on Mars in 2016.&nbsp;

But most of the auroras observed by MAVEN have been localised to specific regions. But once in a blue Moon, these invisible light shows cover an entire hemisphere that is facing the sun. Under this phenomenon, researchers call it a global aurora.

"Mars is experiencing its greatest level of auroral activity in the past 10 years," Nick Schneider, a planetary scientist at the University of Colorado Boulder and lead scientist of MAVEN's Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph instrument group, told Spaceweather.com.

Also watch |&nbsp;This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change

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"In February alone, there were three episodes of global auroras — an 'aurora hat trick' we have never seen before."

The global aurora events can last several days; the triple February auroras occurred on Feb. 3-4, Feb. 7-10 and Feb. 15-16, Live Science reported.&nbsp;

Mars is not the only planet other than Earth to have auroras. Other light shows have been spotted on Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus, according to Space.com. Scientists have also spotted aurora-like phenomena on the Sun for the first time.

(With inputs from agencies)

The dazzling green auroras are illuminating Earth's planetary neighbour Mars as well. According to the data collected by a NASA spacecraft, the invisible "global auroras" have been covering Mars frequently in the recent past.

The dazzling green auroras are illuminating Earth's planetary neighbour Mars as well. According to the data collected by a NASA spacecraft, the invisible "global auroras" have been covering Mars frequently in the recent past. This is linked to a stage called solar maximum, the peak in the sun's roughly 11-year solar cycle. Mars and Auroras: What are they? Mars is often bombarded with high energy radiation from the Sun. These rays from the Sun are in the form of solar energetic particles (SEPs). They penetrate the thin atmosphere of Mars and react with the molecules of hydrogen. As a result, the light, seen as Auroras is emitted. Also read | What's STEVE? After auroras, purple & green lights in skies dazzle earthlings But notably, the auroras on Mars emit ultraviolet light instead of visible light. That is, unlike Earth, the auroras on Mars cannot be seen with the naked eye. The Martian auroras are called the proton auroras. How did NASA spot Auroras on Mars? NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft has been orbiting the Red Planet since 2013. It detected the first proton auroras on Mars in 2016. But most of the auroras observed by MAVEN have been localised to specific regions. But once in a blue Moon, these invisible light shows cover an entire hemisphere that is facing the sun. Under this phenomenon, researchers call it a global aurora. "Mars is experiencing its greatest level of auroral activity in the past 10 years," Nick Schneider, a planetary scientist at the University of Colorado Boulder and lead scientist of MAVEN's Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph instrument group, told Spaceweather.com. Also watch | This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change × "In February alone, there were three episodes of global auroras — an 'aurora hat trick' we have never seen before." The global aurora events can last several days; the triple February auroras occurred on Feb. 3-4, Feb. 7-10 and Feb. 15-16, Live Science reported. Mars is not the only planet other than Earth to have auroras. Other light shows have been spotted on Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus, according to Space.com. Scientists have also spotted aurora-like phenomena on the Sun for the first time. (With inputs from agencies)

Chaos on Sun dazzles Mars with invisible Auroras

Mars was snapped with a swarm of “spiders” spread across its southern polar region, as captured by ESA’s Mars Express. The photos show a huge number of spiders walking in groups over the surface of Mars. But these weren’t actual spiders,&nbsp;rather a unique feature on the red planet.

The small, dark features on Mars are formed when spring sunshine falls on the layers of carbon dioxide that are deposited over the dark winter months.&nbsp;

Take a closer look at the Martian surface here.&nbsp;
<img alt="Spider phenomenon on Mars" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5b386e59-a288-4251-9e7e-aff1a4855bf4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/signs-of-spider-phenom-3.jpg" />
&nbsp;

The sunlight causes carbon dioxide ice at the bottom of the layer to turn into gas, which subsequently builds up and breaks through slabs of overlying ice. The gas then bursts free during springtime on Mars, dragging dark material up to the surface&nbsp;and shattering&nbsp;layers of ice up to a meter thick.

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“The emerging gas, laden with dark dust, shoots up through cracks in the ice in the form of tall fountains or geysers, before falling back down and settling on the surface. This creates dark spots between 45 m and 1 km across. This same process creates characteristic ‘spider-shaped’ patterns etched beneath the ice,” explained ESA’s official website.&nbsp;

These dark spots can be seen everywhere on the Mars Express image released by ESA. However, most can be seen as small spots in the dark region to the left, which sits just on the outskirts of a part of Mars nicknamed Inca City. The reason this region was named Inca City was because it features a linear and geometric network of ridges, almost similar to Inca ruins. It was discovered in 1972 by NASA’s Mariner 9 probe.

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Scientists are still not sure how Inca City was formed, but it is believed that sand dunes could have turned to stone over a period of time. The material inside it, probably magma or sand, is seeping through fractured sheets of Martian rock.&nbsp;

Towards the middle section of the image, the landscape changes somewhat, with large roundish and oval swirls creating an effect reminiscent of marble. This effect is thought to occur when layered deposits are worn away over time.

The ground towards the right (north) becomes increasingly covered in smooth, light-colour dust. Some signs of spiders can be seen scattered across the plateaus there as well.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mars was snapped with a swarm of “spiders” spread across its southern polar region, as captured by ESA’s Mars Express. The photos show a huge number of spiders walking in groups over the surface of Mars.

Mars was snapped with a swarm of “spiders” spread across its southern polar region, as captured by ESA’s Mars Express. The photos show a huge number of spiders walking in groups over the surface of Mars. But these weren’t actual spiders, rather a unique feature on the red planet. The small, dark features on Mars are formed when spring sunshine falls on the layers of carbon dioxide that are deposited over the dark winter months. Take a closer look at the Martian surface here. The sunlight causes carbon dioxide ice at the bottom of the layer to turn into gas, which subsequently builds up and breaks through slabs of overlying ice. The gas then bursts free during springtime on Mars, dragging dark material up to the surface and shattering layers of ice up to a meter thick. Also Read | Tiangong space station damaged by space debris strike, China working on clean-up “The emerging gas, laden with dark dust, shoots up through cracks in the ice in the form of tall fountains or geysers, before falling back down and settling on the surface. This creates dark spots between 45 m and 1 km across. This same process creates characteristic ‘spider-shaped’ patterns etched beneath the ice,” explained ESA’s official website. These dark spots can be seen everywhere on the Mars Express image released by ESA. However, most can be seen as small spots in the dark region to the left, which sits just on the outskirts of a part of Mars nicknamed Inca City. The reason this region was named Inca City was because it features a linear and geometric network of ridges, almost similar to Inca ruins. It was discovered in 1972 by NASA’s Mariner 9 probe. Also Read | Huge fossilised footprint of dinosaur found in China belongs to a megaraptor Scientists are still not sure how Inca City was formed, but it is believed that sand dunes could have turned to stone over a period of time. The material inside it, probably magma or sand, is seeping through fractured sheets of Martian rock. Towards the middle section of the image, the landscape changes somewhat, with large roundish and oval swirls creating an effect reminiscent of marble. This effect is thought to occur when layered deposits are worn away over time. The ground towards the right (north) becomes increasingly covered in smooth, light-colour dust. Some signs of spiders can be seen scattered across the plateaus there as well. (With inputs from agencies)

Spiders on Mars? European mission captures weird black spots near Inca City

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