An ocean of water existed on Mars nearly 3.5 billion years ago, as per the latest finding. China’s Zhurong Mars rover has stumbled upon evidence of an ancient coastline on the red planet.&nbsp;

The findings were reported in the journal Scientific Reports. The rover found the coastline in the southern Utopia region which is a remnant of a sea that likely existed during the early history of Mars for a short period of time.

Scientists have long believed that as much as a third of the Red Planet was covered by an ocean billions of years ago.&nbsp;

The Zhurong rover has been studying the deposits in Vastitas Borealis, a low plain in the planet’s northern hemisphere after landing there in May 2021. This particular region is thought to have harboured an ocean once. The presence of fine grains of minerals like hydrated silica is likely a result of a coastline rather than volcanic activity.

Lead study author Bo Wu of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University told news agency AFP that several features in the area suggest that an ocean once lay around Zhurong's landing area in the past. These features include "pitted cones, polygonal troughs and etched flows". &nbsp;

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As per previous research, crater-like pitted cones could have formed from mud volcanoes in areas where there had been water or ice.

<h2>Features hint at existence of ocean</h2>

Data gathered by the rover, as well as satellites, combined with analysis on Earth, also suggested that a shoreline was once near the area, according to the study.

The researchers believe that the ocean was formed by flooding nearly 3.7 billion years ago. Researchers analysed data from the Zhurong rover and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to estimate surface ages and compositions of minerals found in the southern Utopia Planitia.

The existence of geological features like troughs and sediment channels in this part of the planet hints at an ancient nearshore zone. This is why researchers were forced to believe that the deposits were formed by a possible flooding event about 3.68 billion years ago.&nbsp;

“We conducted a comprehensive geomorphological analysis of the landing area using remote sensing data, supplemented by in situ observations, and unveiled features consistent with the existence of a nearshore zone in southern Utopia,” the researchers say.

However, scientists say that the rover's data does not present direct evidence that an ancient ocean once existed on Mars.

An ocean of water existed on Mars nearly 3.5 billion years ago, as per the latest finding. China’s Zhurong Mars rover has stumbled upon evidence of an ancient coastline on the red planet.

An ocean of water existed on Mars nearly 3.5 billion years ago, as per the latest finding. China’s Zhurong Mars rover has stumbled upon evidence of an ancient coastline on the red planet. The findings were reported in the journal Scientific Reports. The rover found the coastline in the southern Utopia region which is a remnant of a sea that likely existed during the early history of Mars for a short period of time. Scientists have long believed that as much as a third of the Red Planet was covered by an ocean billions of years ago. The Zhurong rover has been studying the deposits in Vastitas Borealis, a low plain in the planet’s northern hemisphere after landing there in May 2021. This particular region is thought to have harboured an ocean once. The presence of fine grains of minerals like hydrated silica is likely a result of a coastline rather than volcanic activity. Lead study author Bo Wu of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University told news agency AFP that several features in the area suggest that an ocean once lay around Zhurong's landing area in the past. These features include "pitted cones, polygonal troughs and etched flows". Also Read: Is Planet Nine lurking in the solar system? We might know in 2025 As per previous research, crater-like pitted cones could have formed from mud volcanoes in areas where there had been water or ice. Features hint at existence of ocean Data gathered by the rover, as well as satellites, combined with analysis on Earth, also suggested that a shoreline was once near the area, according to the study. The researchers believe that the ocean was formed by flooding nearly 3.7 billion years ago. Researchers analysed data from the Zhurong rover and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to estimate surface ages and compositions of minerals found in the southern Utopia Planitia. The existence of geological features like troughs and sediment channels in this part of the planet hints at an ancient nearshore zone. This is why researchers were forced to believe that the deposits were formed by a possible flooding event about 3.68 billion years ago. “We conducted a comprehensive geomorphological analysis of the landing area using remote sensing data, supplemented by in situ observations, and unveiled features consistent with the existence of a nearshore zone in southern Utopia,” the researchers say. However, scientists say that the rover's data does not present direct evidence that an ancient ocean once existed on Mars.

Mars had a large ocean 3.5 billion years ago, Chinese rover finds

Life on Mars may thrive under the frozen water on the planet's surface, according to a new NASA study. It proposes that microbes could find a potential home under the ice, similar to what has been observed on Earth.

The study authors used computer modelling to show that photosynthesis is possible in shallow pools of meltwater under the surface of the ice based on the amount of sunlight that can shine through it.

On Earth, pools of water within ice have been found to harbour algae, fungi, and microscopic cyanobacteria, and photosynthesis powers all of them.

Lead author of the study, Aditya Khuller of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, says that "Martian ice exposures are probably one of the most accessible places we should be looking" for life in the universe today.

The paper has been published in Communications Earth &amp; Environment.

Mars has two types of ice - frozen water and frozen carbon dioxide. The team studied water ice which formed during a series of Martian ice ages in the past million years. Snow mixed with dust fell onto the surface and later solidified into ice, still carrying specks of dust.

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The researchers say that dust particles are key to explaining how subsurface pools of water could form within ice when exposed to the sun. The darker portions of dust absorb more sunlight which causes the ice to warm up and melt up to a few feet below the surface.

However, several scientists studying Mars do not believe that ice can melt on Mars because of the planet's thin, dry atmosphere. Ice is believed to directly turn into gas on the Martian surface. But this is not likely true for the region below the dusty snowpack or glacier.

<h2>Life can thrive inside&nbsp;pockets of meltwater</h2>

Dust within ice on Earth creates small cavities when windblown dust lands there. They absorb sunlight and melt farther into the ice. Once far enough from the sun's rays, they stop sinking. There is still enough warmth to create a pocket of meltwater around them. These pockets can nourish a thriving ecosystem for simple lifeforms.

"This is a common phenomenon on Earth," said co-author Phil Christensen of Arizona State University in Tempe.

"Dense snow and ice can melt from the inside out, letting in sunlight that warms it like a greenhouse, rather than melting from the top down."

The new paper suggests that on Mars, dusty ice lets in enough light for photosynthesis to occur as deep as nine feet below the surface. The upper layers of ice act as a shield and prevent the shallow subsurface pools of water from evaporating and also protect them from harmful radiation.

This becomes important because Mars lacks a protective magnetic field to shield it from both the sun and radioactive cosmic ray particles.

Life on Mars may thrive under the frozen water on the planet's surface, according to a new NASA study. It proposes that microbes could find a potential home under the ice, similar to what has been observed on Earth.

Life on Mars may thrive under the frozen water on the planet's surface, according to a new NASA study. It proposes that microbes could find a potential home under the ice, similar to what has been observed on Earth. The study authors used computer modelling to show that photosynthesis is possible in shallow pools of meltwater under the surface of the ice based on the amount of sunlight that can shine through it. On Earth, pools of water within ice have been found to harbour algae, fungi, and microscopic cyanobacteria, and photosynthesis powers all of them. Lead author of the study, Aditya Khuller of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, says that "Martian ice exposures are probably one of the most accessible places we should be looking" for life in the universe today. The paper has been published in Communications Earth & Environment. Mars has two types of ice - frozen water and frozen carbon dioxide. The team studied water ice which formed during a series of Martian ice ages in the past million years. Snow mixed with dust fell onto the surface and later solidified into ice, still carrying specks of dust. Also Read: Trip to space for $125K: Space balloon with Richard Branson as co-pilot to launch in 2025 The researchers say that dust particles are key to explaining how subsurface pools of water could form within ice when exposed to the sun. The darker portions of dust absorb more sunlight which causes the ice to warm up and melt up to a few feet below the surface. However, several scientists studying Mars do not believe that ice can melt on Mars because of the planet's thin, dry atmosphere. Ice is believed to directly turn into gas on the Martian surface. But this is not likely true for the region below the dusty snowpack or glacier. Life can thrive inside pockets of meltwater Dust within ice on Earth creates small cavities when windblown dust lands there. They absorb sunlight and melt farther into the ice. Once far enough from the sun's rays, they stop sinking. There is still enough warmth to create a pocket of meltwater around them. These pockets can nourish a thriving ecosystem for simple lifeforms. "This is a common phenomenon on Earth," said co-author Phil Christensen of Arizona State University in Tempe. "Dense snow and ice can melt from the inside out, letting in sunlight that warms it like a greenhouse, rather than melting from the top down." The new paper suggests that on Mars, dusty ice lets in enough light for photosynthesis to occur as deep as nine feet below the surface. The upper layers of ice act as a shield and prevent the shallow subsurface pools of water from evaporating and also protect them from harmful radiation. This becomes important because Mars lacks a protective magnetic field to shield it from both the sun and radioactive cosmic ray particles.

Life might thrive under frozen water on Mars, study says

A massive reservoir of liquid water, equal to an ocean, has been found hiding under Mars, a recent study claims. The water deposit found fractured within igneous rocks, is so huge that it is enough to fill an ocean that can cover the entire Earth’s planetary neighbour, concluded scientists who observed the recent seismic data of Mars.

The claims were made based on data received from NASA’s robotic InSight Lander during a mission to help decipher the interior of Mars. This is good news, as it provides hope of probable life on the red planet. However, there is one problem.

The water discovered on Mars is located about 7.2 to 12.4 miles (11.5 to 20 km) below the Martian surface, which is at depths that are too far below the surface for us to access. Life can sustain at such depths, as researchers point out that conditions beneath are favourable for microbial life, but reaching there would be a herculean task, almost impossible some may say.

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"At these depths, the crust is warm enough for water to exist as a liquid. At more shallow depths, the water would be frozen as ice," said planetary scientist Vashan Wright of the University of California, San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, lead author of the study.

The study was published on Monday (Aug 12) in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

On our planet Earth, we are able to find microbial life deep underground where rocks are saturated with water, explains co-author Michael Manga of the University of California, Berkeley.

<h2>How huge ocean of water was found on Mars?</h2>

India’s lunar mission Chandrayaan-2, which was launched in 2019, first gave the location of abundance of lunar water. Recent data by InSight indicated the presence of this reservoir of liquid water within igneous rocks,&nbsp;formed in the cooling and solidification of magma or lava in the Martian crust.

The InSight lander touched down in 2018 to study the deep interior of Mars, gathering data on the planet's various layers, from its liquid metal core to its mantle and its crust. The InSight mission ended in 2022.

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"The water exists within fractures. If the InSight location is representative and you extract all the water from the fractures in the mid-crust, we estimate that the water would fill a 1-2 km deep (0.6-1.2 miles) ocean on Mars globally," Wright said.

<h2>Challenges ahead</h2>

Water would be a vital resource if humankind ever is to place astronauts on the Martian surface or establish some sort of long-term settlement. We knew earlier that Mars harbours water in the form of ice in its polar regions and in its subsurface, but the discovery of water in underground water is huge. And the challenge is huge too.&nbsp;

"Drilling to these depths is very challenging. Looking for places where geological activity expels this water, possibly the tectonically active Cerberus Fossae (a region in the northern hemisphere of Mars), is an alternative to looking for deep liquids," Manga said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A massive reservoir of liquid water, equal to an ocean, has been found hiding under Mars, a recent study claims. The water deposit found fractured within igneous rocks, is so huge that it is enough to fill an ocean that can cover the entire Earth’s planetary neighbour, concluded scientists who observed the recent seismic data of Mars.

A massive reservoir of liquid water, equal to an ocean, has been found hiding under Mars, a recent study claims. The water deposit found fractured within igneous rocks, is so huge that it is enough to fill an ocean that can cover the entire Earth’s planetary neighbour, concluded scientists who observed the recent seismic data of Mars. The claims were made based on data received from NASA’s robotic InSight Lander during a mission to help decipher the interior of Mars. This is good news, as it provides hope of probable life on the red planet. However, there is one problem. The water discovered on Mars is located about 7.2 to 12.4 miles (11.5 to 20 km) below the Martian surface, which is at depths that are too far below the surface for us to access. Life can sustain at such depths, as researchers point out that conditions beneath are favourable for microbial life, but reaching there would be a herculean task, almost impossible some may say. Also Read | NASA warns 100-foot asteroid is racing towards Earth, will be closest on... "At these depths, the crust is warm enough for water to exist as a liquid. At more shallow depths, the water would be frozen as ice," said planetary scientist Vashan Wright of the University of California, San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, lead author of the study. The study was published on Monday (Aug 12) in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. On our planet Earth, we are able to find microbial life deep underground where rocks are saturated with water, explains co-author Michael Manga of the University of California, Berkeley. How huge ocean of water was found on Mars? India’s lunar mission Chandrayaan-2, which was launched in 2019, first gave the location of abundance of lunar water. Recent data by InSight indicated the presence of this reservoir of liquid water within igneous rocks, formed in the cooling and solidification of magma or lava in the Martian crust. The InSight lander touched down in 2018 to study the deep interior of Mars, gathering data on the planet's various layers, from its liquid metal core to its mantle and its crust. The InSight mission ended in 2022. Also Read | ESA spots salty, purple wave lures, like a 'mermaid', on Mars "The water exists within fractures. If the InSight location is representative and you extract all the water from the fractures in the mid-crust, we estimate that the water would fill a 1-2 km deep (0.6-1.2 miles) ocean on Mars globally," Wright said. Challenges ahead Water would be a vital resource if humankind ever is to place astronauts on the Martian surface or establish some sort of long-term settlement. We knew earlier that Mars harbours water in the form of ice in its polar regions and in its subsurface, but the discovery of water in underground water is huge. And the challenge is huge too. "Drilling to these depths is very challenging. Looking for places where geological activity expels this water, possibly the tectonically active Cerberus Fossae (a region in the northern hemisphere of Mars), is an alternative to looking for deep liquids," Manga said. (With inputs from agencies)

Big! Underground water reservoir, the size of an ocean found on Mars, but there's a problem...

NASA’s Curiosity Rover has made several discoveries on Mars, and the latest one has surprised scientists. The rover in May drove over some stones, cracking open one of them. What stumbled out was nothing less than magical - yellow sulfur crystal, a first for the red planet.&nbsp;

“Finding a field of stones made of pure sulfur is like finding an oasis in the desert,” Curiosity’s project scientist, Ashwin Vasavada of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, said.&nbsp;

The discovery was made in a region that is rich in sulfates and has been explored by Curiosity since October 2023. Sulfate is a kind of salt that comprises sulfur and forms after the water evaporates. This is not the first time that sulfur has been found on Mars, but past findings have basically been of sulfur-based minerals. But the rock that Curiosity crushed contains elemental, or pure, sulfur. 
And it's not just one rock, there are several more of them spread in a vast field in the area.&nbsp;

The astonishing thing is that the conditions needed to form this sulfur have never been linked by scientists to this particular region. The formation of sulfur depends on a narrow range of conditions.&nbsp;

“It shouldn’t be there, so now we have to explain it. Discovering strange and unexpected things is what makes planetary exploration so exciting," Ashwin added.

Additionally, while sulfur usually is associated with the odour of rotten eggs, which is caused by&nbsp;the hydrogen sulfide gas, elemental sulfur, the one found in the rock, is odourless.

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<h2>Where is Curiosity right now?</h2>

The rover is currently exploring the red planet's Gediz Vallis channel, a groove on the 5-kilometre-tall&nbsp;Mount Sharp. The mountain hides the mysteries of Mars as each layer denotes a different period of its history. Curiosity has been climbing up this mountain since 2014 and aims to learn about the nutrients that likely once gave birth to microbial life on Mars.&nbsp;

Gediz Vallis channel was spotted from space long before Curiosity was sent to Mars. Scientists believe that liquid water flowing in this region created this channel, and the debris that it brought with it left a ridge of boulders and sediment for two miles down the mountainside. The aim is to understand what went wrong and how did the current landscape emerge.&nbsp;

The large mounds of debris on the channel’s floor likely happened because of ancient floodwaters or landslides. Curiosity has given hints that suggest both possibilities, violent water gushing down along with debris created some of it and local landslides formed the other.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

NASA’s Curiosity Rover has made several discoveries on Mars, and the latest one has surprised scientists. The rover in May drove over some stones, cracking open one of them.

NASA’s Curiosity Rover has made several discoveries on Mars, and the latest one has surprised scientists. The rover in May drove over some stones, cracking open one of them. What stumbled out was nothing less than magical - yellow sulfur crystal, a first for the red planet. “Finding a field of stones made of pure sulfur is like finding an oasis in the desert,” Curiosity’s project scientist, Ashwin Vasavada of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, said. The discovery was made in a region that is rich in sulfates and has been explored by Curiosity since October 2023. Sulfate is a kind of salt that comprises sulfur and forms after the water evaporates. This is not the first time that sulfur has been found on Mars, but past findings have basically been of sulfur-based minerals. But the rock that Curiosity crushed contains elemental, or pure, sulfur. And it's not just one rock, there are several more of them spread in a vast field in the area. The astonishing thing is that the conditions needed to form this sulfur have never been linked by scientists to this particular region. The formation of sulfur depends on a narrow range of conditions. “It shouldn’t be there, so now we have to explain it. Discovering strange and unexpected things is what makes planetary exploration so exciting," Ashwin added. Additionally, while sulfur usually is associated with the odour of rotten eggs, which is caused by the hydrogen sulfide gas, elemental sulfur, the one found in the rock, is odourless. Also Read: Strange lakes, rivers and oceans are flowing on Saturn's moon. Scientists find it eerily similar to Earth Where is Curiosity right now? The rover is currently exploring the red planet's Gediz Vallis channel, a groove on the 5-kilometre-tall Mount Sharp. The mountain hides the mysteries of Mars as each layer denotes a different period of its history. Curiosity has been climbing up this mountain since 2014 and aims to learn about the nutrients that likely once gave birth to microbial life on Mars. Gediz Vallis channel was spotted from space long before Curiosity was sent to Mars. Scientists believe that liquid water flowing in this region created this channel, and the debris that it brought with it left a ridge of boulders and sediment for two miles down the mountainside. The aim is to understand what went wrong and how did the current landscape emerge. The large mounds of debris on the channel’s floor likely happened because of ancient floodwaters or landslides. Curiosity has given hints that suggest both possibilities, violent water gushing down along with debris created some of it and local landslides formed the other.

Curiosity rover cuts open rock on Mars, spilling out an unexpected secret

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.

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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;

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"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's Curiosity rover is currently in the twelfth year of its mission to investigate Mars. Till now, it has reached several places where no other rover has gone before.

NASA's Curiosity rover is currently in the twelfth year of its mission to investigate Mars. Till now, it has reached several places where no other rover has gone before. Recently, the Curiosity rover's adventures brought it to Gediz Vallis. a winding and boulder-choked channel some scientists believe is the desiccated bed of an ancient river. They will try to investigate more about its past and find out how the landform came to be in the first place. The Curiosity rover was originally slated for a two-year mission. However, it continues to trawl the Martian surface. It has provided several new insights about the red planet and its environment. The rover's findings have led scientists to believe that life might have once lived or still lives on Mars. Since 2014, the rover has been driving up the slopes of Mount Sharp, which towers 3 miles (5 kilometres) above the rover's initial landing location in Gale Crater. Mount Sharp and the rest of Mars would've been significantly wetter billions of years ago than it is today. However, Mars has dried up over time and the wind and remnant water has eroded the mountain into the layers Curiosity can see today. ALSO READ | Travelling 650 million light-years, a mysterious signal possibly from a star corpse has reached Earth According to scientists, some force carved the Gediz Vallis channel on the mountain's slope as it was in the process of drying up. Although it's possible that wind created Gediz Vallis, the channel's sides are steeper than scientists would expect from a wind-carved vale. There's a high chance that the channel spotted by Curiosity on Gediz Vallis' floor was formed by landslides from higher up the mountain, which could have deposited boulders and other rocky debris. Another intriguing prospect is that it was formed by the flow of liquid water. "If the channel or the debris pile were formed by liquid water, that's interesting. It would mean that fairly late in the story of Mount Sharp, after a long dry period water came back, and in a big way," said Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity's project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in a statement. The Curiosity rover will spend several months exploring the channel, not just to study the Martian history but also to learn more about what lies beyond. As it is unable to climb Mount Sharp, the best way for the rover to investigate the area is by looking up from the channel, allowing scientists to gain insights into what lies ahead. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA’s Curiosity rover starts exploring possibly dried-up ancient water body on Mars

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

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

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

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

An analysis of data gained from NASA's rover Perseverance has reconfirmed a theory that scientists have been insisting on for years: Mars was once a warm, wet planet that may have housed microbial life. The data confirmed the existence of ancient lake sediments on Mars, which were created by a large water body on the planet. The large basin of water most likely existed in Jerezo Crater, according to the detailed study published Friday (Jan 26) in the journal Science Advances.

The research was led by teams from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Oslo.

<h2>What data was analysed?</h2>

The car-sized, six-wheeled rover trot down the Martian surface through several months of 2022 and conducted several subsurface scans on its way from the floor of the crater to an adjacent expanse of braided, sedimentary-like features resembling the river deltas found on Earth.

According to UCLA planetary scientist David Paige, the first author of the paper, soundings from the rover's RIMFAX radar instrument allowed scientists to peer underground to get a cross-sectional view of rock layers 65 feet (20 meters) deep, "almost like looking at a road cut."

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists surprised by source of largest quake detected on Mars

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The layers inside the surface hinted at irrefutable evidence of soil sediments being carried there by its delta from a river that once fed it billions of years ago. Scientists estimated the sediments could have been formed some 3 billion years ago.&nbsp;

But this is not the first time that data from the rover has been used to reach a similar conclusion.&nbsp;

<h2>Previous such derivations from rover data</h2>

Earlier in October 2023, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) had&nbsp;found more evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars.&nbsp;A team of researchers examining data collected by NASA's curiosity had&nbsp;deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water. They have published their findings&nbsp;in Geophysical Research Letters.

"We're finding evidence that Mars was likely a planet of rivers," said the research's lead author, Benjamin Cardenas, a geoscientist at Penn State University.

Cardenas and his team reached this conclusion after analysing a combination of images from the Curiosity rover, scans of sedimentary rock beneath the Gulf of Mexico on Earth and several computer simulations.

You can read the detailed report <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-curiosity-rover-finds-evidence-mars-was-once-a-planet-of-rivers-651444">here</a>.

<h2>Major success for Mars exploration mission</h2>

The study serves as a reassuring confirmation that scientists chose the optimal location for their Mars exploration mission. Analysis conducted remotely on early core samples, extracted by Perseverance from four sites near its landing site in February 2021, yielded unexpected results. Instead of sedimentary rock, researchers discovered volcanic rock, adding a new dimension to their understanding of the Martian terrain.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1w5-62ikq0ROpSVVOAqAKN" data-ved="2ahUKEwjU9rrVu_2DAxU_SmwGHVC3B-kQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-historic-ingenuity-helicopter-mission-on-mars-ends-heres-what-happened-683753" jsname="YKoRaf">NASA's historic Ingenuity helicopter mission on Mars ends: Here's what happened</a>

The findings from the two studies complement each other rather than contradict. Even the volcanic rocks exhibited signs of alteration due to water exposure, leading scientists, who published their findings in August 2022, to speculate that sedimentary deposits may have eroded over time.

Moreover, recent radar readings from the RIMFAX instrument, reported on Friday, uncovered evidence of erosion both before and after the formation of sedimentary layers identified at the crater's western edge. According to Paige, these findings underscore the complex geological history of the area, shedding light on the dynamic processes shaping the Martian landscape.

(With inputs from agencies)

An analysis of data gained from NASA's rover Perseverance has reconfirmed a theory that scientists have been insisting on for years: Mars was once a warm, wet planet that may have housed microbial life.

An analysis of data gained from NASA's rover Perseverance has reconfirmed a theory that scientists have been insisting on for years: Mars was once a warm, wet planet that may have housed microbial life. The data confirmed the existence of ancient lake sediments on Mars, which were created by a large water body on the planet. The large basin of water most likely existed in Jerezo Crater, according to the detailed study published Friday (Jan 26) in the journal Science Advances. The research was led by teams from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Oslo. What data was analysed? The car-sized, six-wheeled rover trot down the Martian surface through several months of 2022 and conducted several subsurface scans on its way from the floor of the crater to an adjacent expanse of braided, sedimentary-like features resembling the river deltas found on Earth. According to UCLA planetary scientist David Paige, the first author of the paper, soundings from the rover's RIMFAX radar instrument allowed scientists to peer underground to get a cross-sectional view of rock layers 65 feet (20 meters) deep, "almost like looking at a road cut." Watch: Scientists surprised by source of largest quake detected on Mars × The layers inside the surface hinted at irrefutable evidence of soil sediments being carried there by its delta from a river that once fed it billions of years ago. Scientists estimated the sediments could have been formed some 3 billion years ago. But this is not the first time that data from the rover has been used to reach a similar conclusion. Previous such derivations from rover data Earlier in October 2023, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) had found more evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars. A team of researchers examining data collected by NASA's curiosity had deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water. They have published their findings in Geophysical Research Letters. "We're finding evidence that Mars was likely a planet of rivers," said the research's lead author, Benjamin Cardenas, a geoscientist at Penn State University. Cardenas and his team reached this conclusion after analysing a combination of images from the Curiosity rover, scans of sedimentary rock beneath the Gulf of Mexico on Earth and several computer simulations. You can read the detailed report here. Major success for Mars exploration mission The study serves as a reassuring confirmation that scientists chose the optimal location for their Mars exploration mission. Analysis conducted remotely on early core samples, extracted by Perseverance from four sites near its landing site in February 2021, yielded unexpected results. Instead of sedimentary rock, researchers discovered volcanic rock, adding a new dimension to their understanding of the Martian terrain. Also read: NASA's historic Ingenuity helicopter mission on Mars ends: Here's what happened The findings from the two studies complement each other rather than contradict. Even the volcanic rocks exhibited signs of alteration due to water exposure, leading scientists, who published their findings in August 2022, to speculate that sedimentary deposits may have eroded over time. Moreover, recent radar readings from the RIMFAX instrument, reported on Friday, uncovered evidence of erosion both before and after the formation of sedimentary layers identified at the crater's western edge. According to Paige, these findings underscore the complex geological history of the area, shedding light on the dynamic processes shaping the Martian landscape. (With inputs from agencies)

How NASA’s rover is helping scientists find the truth about existence of life on Mars

Mars has once again stumped humans with yet another fascinating discovery. Latest research shows that the red planet is hiding giant slabs of ice at its equator. This ice runs several kilometres deep and if melted, is enough to cover the entire surface of Mars. The resulting ocean will likely be 1.5 to 2.7 metres (4.9 to 8.9 feet) deep.&nbsp;

The discovery of these slabs of ice has been made at the Medusae Fossae Formation region on the Martian equator, first discovered in 2007. However, at the time scientists didn't know what exactly was it composed of.

The latest discovery once again proves that life probably once existed on the red planet. Earlier, evidence has been found that rivers once flowed on Mars. But this is the first time that such a huge amount of water has been found on the Martian equator.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/devil-comet-and-a-newly-discovered-comet-will-be-visible-in-night-sky-in-2024-681043">Two rare comets will come close to Earth in 2024. Devil Comet is one of them</a>

 
"We've explored the Medusae Fossae Formation again using newer data from Mars Express's MARSIS radar, and found the deposits to be even thicker than we thought: up to 3.7 kilometres (2.3 miles) thick," geologist Thomas Watters of the Smithsonian Institution said.

"Excitingly, the radar signals match what we'd expect to see from layered ice, and are similar to the signals we see from Mars's polar caps, which we know to be very ice-rich."

Scientists say that the buried water is equal to the amount of water found in the Red Sea on Earth.

<h2>What is the Medusae Fossae Formation?</h2>

In 2007, scientists first noticed that something was buried deep in this region of the Martian equator. This area was named the Medusae Fossae Formation. Whatever this collection comprised, extended for around 5,000 kilometres along the equator.

Watters and his team&nbsp;couldn't figure out what was beneath the equator. They debated that it could be anything - from dust to volcanic ash, or something from Mars' past, or perhaps even water. Whatever it was,&nbsp;it was huge and several kilometres high.&nbsp;

<h2>How did they conclude that it was water ice on Mars?</h2>

Scientists say that if it was buried&nbsp;dust, they would expect it to have compacted under its own weight by now. However, that hasn't happened.

"Given how deep it is, if the MFF was simply a giant pile of dust, we'd expect it to become compacted under its own weight," physicist Andrea Cicchetti of the National Institute for Astrophysics in Italy said.

This is why they concluded that it is probably something more dense, something like ice.&nbsp;

"This would create something far denser than what we actually see with MARSIS. And when we modelled how different ice-free materials would behave, nothing reproduced the properties of the MFF – we need ice."

While evidence is strong that water once flourished on Mars, scientists are still trying to understand what could have happened to all the water. The latest discovery might be able to offer some clues.

Mars has once again stumped humans with yet another fascinating discovery. Latest research shows that the red planet is hiding giant slabs of ice at its equator.

Mars has once again stumped humans with yet another fascinating discovery. Latest research shows that the red planet is hiding giant slabs of ice at its equator. This ice runs several kilometres deep and if melted, is enough to cover the entire surface of Mars. The resulting ocean will likely be 1.5 to 2.7 metres (4.9 to 8.9 feet) deep. The discovery of these slabs of ice has been made at the Medusae Fossae Formation region on the Martian equator, first discovered in 2007. However, at the time scientists didn't know what exactly was it composed of. The latest discovery once again proves that life probably once existed on the red planet. Earlier, evidence has been found that rivers once flowed on Mars. But this is the first time that such a huge amount of water has been found on the Martian equator. ALSO READ | Two rare comets will come close to Earth in 2024. Devil Comet is one of them "We've explored the Medusae Fossae Formation again using newer data from Mars Express's MARSIS radar, and found the deposits to be even thicker than we thought: up to 3.7 kilometres (2.3 miles) thick," geologist Thomas Watters of the Smithsonian Institution said. "Excitingly, the radar signals match what we'd expect to see from layered ice, and are similar to the signals we see from Mars's polar caps, which we know to be very ice-rich." Scientists say that the buried water is equal to the amount of water found in the Red Sea on Earth. What is the Medusae Fossae Formation? In 2007, scientists first noticed that something was buried deep in this region of the Martian equator. This area was named the Medusae Fossae Formation. Whatever this collection comprised, extended for around 5,000 kilometres along the equator. Watters and his team couldn't figure out what was beneath the equator. They debated that it could be anything - from dust to volcanic ash, or something from Mars' past, or perhaps even water. Whatever it was, it was huge and several kilometres high. How did they conclude that it was water ice on Mars? Scientists say that if it was buried dust, they would expect it to have compacted under its own weight by now. However, that hasn't happened. "Given how deep it is, if the MFF was simply a giant pile of dust, we'd expect it to become compacted under its own weight," physicist Andrea Cicchetti of the National Institute for Astrophysics in Italy said. This is why they concluded that it is probably something more dense, something like ice. "This would create something far denser than what we actually see with MARSIS. And when we modelled how different ice-free materials would behave, nothing reproduced the properties of the MFF – we need ice." While evidence is strong that water once flourished on Mars, scientists are still trying to understand what could have happened to all the water. The latest discovery might be able to offer some clues.

Was there ever water on Mars? This new discovery could have the answer

Mars is a fascinating, exotic territory yet to be properly explored by humanity. While we have sent rovers to the red planet, humans are yet to set foot on the alien land.&nbsp;

Planned future missions to find water ice on the planet aim to rectify that. However, a question that remains to be answered is where exactly on the red planet should they land to do this? A recent map might help mission planners answer this question.

<h2>A treasure map to Mars' water ice</h2>

The Subsurface Water Ice Mapping (SWIM), a NASA-funded project, has released its fourth and the more recent map of the prospective locations of subsurface water ice on Mars. This, as per NASA officials, will help mission planners decide where exactly to send the first humans to Mars.

<img alt="NASA mars ice map" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="57296e9a-4e8a-4f80-8969-fde1b2cd3d8d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20%2834%29.jpg" />

<h5>The blue areas on this map of Mars are regions where NASA missions have detected subsurface water ice (from the equator to 60 degrees north latitude). Scientists can use the map-part of the Subsurface Water Ice Mapping project to decide where the first astronauts to set foot on the Red Planet should land. (Image source:&nbsp;NASA/JPL-Caltech/Planetary Science&nbsp;Institute)</h5>

For this map, scientists used data from instruments abroad in the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. These instruments — Context Camera (CTX) and High Resolution Imaging Experiment (HIRISE) — provided high resolution imagery of the Martian terrain, reports Science Alert.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-curiosity-rover-finds-evidence-mars-was-once-a-planet-of-rivers-651444">Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers'</a>

<h2>Why is this important?</h2>

To put it simply, "The map could help the agency decide where the first astronauts to the Red Planet should land. The more available water, the less missions will need to bring."

As per a statement on the NASA website, ice buried on Mars will be a vital source for humans on Mars, serving both as drinking water and a key ingredient for rocket fuel.

Furthermore, these prospective locations of buried ice could one day help us know more about the red planet. Astronauts or robots could drill ice cores, that could help uncover "the climate history of Mars and exploring potential habitats (past or present) for microbial life."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-perseverance-rover-captures-footage-of-martian-dust-devil-642359">A two-kilometre-tall 'dust devil' has been caught on camera, but not on Earth</a>

While locations with buried ice may be the best locations for landing humans on Mars, scientists don't want astronauts to go to locations that are too chilly. This is because cold will lead to the crew using up "precious energy" to stay warm.

"If you send humans to Mars, you want to get them as close to the equator as you can," said Sydney Do, SWIM's project manager, said in a statement. Hence, as per Sydney, an ideal spot would be a patch that has accessible ice but with as low a latitude as possible. Martian ice maps will help navigate this dilemma and decide on the apt location for human landing.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Mars is a fascinating, exotic territory yet to be properly explored by humanity. While we have sent rovers to the red planet, humans are yet to set foot on the alien land.

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

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

Our red neighbour Mars hosted lakes and oceans for a long time billions of years ago. But where did all the water go? Turns out, scientists may finally have the answer to disappearance of water from the Red Planet.

It has been believed for long that the water was lost to space. But now, scientists claim that the water is trapped within minerals in Mars’ crust. The study, funded by NASA says that between 30-99 per cent of the initial water which was on Mars remains trapped inside minerals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mystery-of-oumuamua-solved-find-out-where-the-foreign-space-object-came-from-371045" hreflang="en">Mystery of 'Oumuamua' solved: Find out where the foreign space object came from!</a>

Eva Scheller, lead author of the paper published in Science, told AFP that that the “crust forms what we call hydrated minerals”. These are minerals with water in their crystal structure. Earlier estimates suggest that Mars had at least 100 to 1,500 metres of ocean, covering different parts of the planet.

Over time, the planet lost its magnetic field due to which its atmosphere died off over time. Scientists believed that the water also perished during this time. Now, researchers claim that even though a lot of water was lost, majority of it remains&nbsp;on the planet.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/nasa-discovers-three-microbes-that-may-help-grow-plants-on-mars-370933" hreflang="en">NASA discovers three microbes that may help grow plants on Mars</a>

They reached this conclusion by focusing on hydrogen - a key component of water. They observed the data of Mars rovers, supplementing it with information of meteorites from the planet. Scientists believe the water was lost to two mechanisms: the trapping of water in crust’s minerals, and loss of water to the atmosphere.

They say that the planet lost most of its water four to 3.7 billion years ago. This essentially means that Mars as we know it today has existed for the last three billion years.

Our red neighbour Mars hosted lakes and oceans for a long time billions of years ago. But where did all the water go? Turns out, scientists may finally have the answer to disappearance of water from the Red Planet.

Our red neighbour Mars hosted lakes and oceans for a long time billions of years ago. But where did all the water go? Turns out, scientists may finally have the answer to disappearance of water from the Red Planet. It has been believed for long that the water was lost to space. But now, scientists claim that the water is trapped within minerals in Mars’ crust. The study, funded by NASA says that between 30-99 per cent of the initial water which was on Mars remains trapped inside minerals. Also read: Mystery of 'Oumuamua' solved: Find out where the foreign space object came from! Eva Scheller, lead author of the paper published in Science, told AFP that that the “crust forms what we call hydrated minerals”. These are minerals with water in their crystal structure. Earlier estimates suggest that Mars had at least 100 to 1,500 metres of ocean, covering different parts of the planet. Over time, the planet lost its magnetic field due to which its atmosphere died off over time. Scientists believed that the water also perished during this time. Now, researchers claim that even though a lot of water was lost, majority of it remains on the planet. Also read: NASA discovers three microbes that may help grow plants on Mars They reached this conclusion by focusing on hydrogen - a key component of water. They observed the data of Mars rovers, supplementing it with information of meteorites from the planet. Scientists believe the water was lost to two mechanisms: the trapping of water in crust’s minerals, and loss of water to the atmosphere. They say that the planet lost most of its water four to 3.7 billion years ago. This essentially means that Mars as we know it today has existed for the last three billion years.

What really happened to water on Mars? Scientists finally have the answer!

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