Mars didn't dry up in one go
A French-US team has discovered that Mars' climate alternated between dry and wetter periods, with lake-deposited clays forming the base of Mount Sharp before drying up completely about 3 billion years ago.
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Curiosity rover explores stratigraphy of Gale crater
The Curiosity rover has explored the stratigraphy of Gale crater, providing insights into Mars' early climatic history. The study reveals alternating wet and dry depositional environments recorded in the sedimentary sequence, shedding light on the Red Planet's environmental changes during the Hesperian age.
Researchers discover new type of ancient crater lake on Mars
Researchers from Brown University have discovered a previously unknown type of ancient crater lake on Mars that differs from other Martian crater lakes. The crater was likely fed by runoff from a long-lost Martian glacier, which suggests the planet's early climate may have been warmer and wetter than previously thought.
Trinity researchers tackle the spiders from Mars
The study found that dry ice sublimation can form unique radial systems on Mars' surface, similar to spiders. The experiments showed that the Leidenfrost Effect plays a crucial role in eroding the spider patterns, which were more branched with finer grain sizes.
Is there life on Mars today and where?
Dr. Nathalie Cabrol proposes that modern life on Mars could be more widespread and accessible than previously believed, and that understanding patterns resulting from extreme environmental interactions is key to finding life. She suggests taking the approach of Mars as a biosphere to find signs of microbial habitability.
Much of Mars' ancient water was buried in the planet's crust, not lost to space
A new study suggests that up to 99% of Mars' initial water was incorporated into minerals and buried in the planet's crust, not lost to space. Researchers used observational data and modeling to resolve long-standing contradictions about Martian water loss rates.
What happened to mars's water? It is still trapped there
A significant portion of Mars's water is still present on the planet, with estimates suggesting 30-99 percent is trapped within minerals in the crust. This discovery challenges the current theory that the Red Planet's water escaped into space due to low gravity.
SUTD wins best paper at 35th AAAI conference on Artificial Intelligence 2021
Researchers at SUTD developed a new connection between exploration-exploitation trade-off in multi-agent AI systems and Catastrophe Theory. This discovery aims to improve the performance of AI systems, such as robotic space missions and healthcare management.
Porous, ultralow-temperature supercapacitors could power Mars, polar missions
Researchers have developed porous carbon aerogels for electrodes in ultralow-temperature supercapacitors, reducing heating needs for future space and polar missions. The new technology could enable NASA's Mars rovers to operate without heaters, improving efficiency and extending their lifespan.
SwRI scientist captures evidence of dynamic seasonal activity on a Martian sand dune
Research reveals that airborne dust plumes are produced by sliding blocks of dry ice each spring, which kick up sand and dust along the way. This process carves and modifies linear gullies on the slopes of a Martian sand dune.
Life from Earth could temporarily survive on Mars
Researchers at NASA and German Aerospace Center sent microbes to Earth's stratosphere, replicating Martian conditions, to test their endurance. The study found that some microorganisms, such as spores from the black mold fungus, could survive high UV radiation and desiccation during space travel.
Biotech fit for the Red Planet
Scientists have successfully grown cyanobacteria using Martian gases and regolith, a breakthrough that could make long-term missions to Mars sustainable. This discovery uses Anabaena cyanobacteria as a model organism, demonstrating their ability to thrive in low-pressure environments.
HKU planetary scientists discover evidence for a reduced atmosphere on ancient Mars
Researchers from HKU have discovered evidence of a reduced atmosphere on ancient Mars, dating back 3.5 billion years. The team used infrared remote sensing and spectroscopy to analyze mineralogy and geochemistry of ancient rocks, revealing weathered conditions indicative of a reducing environment.
SwRI scientist proposes a new timeline for Mars terrains
A Southwest Research Institute scientist has updated Mars chronology models to suggest that terrains shaped by ancient water activity on the planet's surface may be hundreds of millions of years older than previously thought. The new model also provides a revised age for Isidis Basin, now estimated to be 4-4.2 billion years old.
Emirates mission to reach Mars on Feb. 9 with instrument by NAU planetary scientist
The Emirates Mars Mission will provide crucial science data on the Martian atmosphere, measuring dust particles, ice clouds, and water vapor. The mission's launch marks a significant milestone in space exploration for an Arab nation and has enormous positive impacts on science communities.
Martian landslides caused by underground salts and melting ice?
Researchers propose that underground salts and melting ice are responsible for Martian landslides, including the seasonal Recurring Slope Lineae features. Lab experiments suggest that thin layers of liquid-like water form near -50 °C, followed by gradual melting, which could lead to surface changes and dust storms.
Mystery of Martian glaciers revealed
A new analysis reveals Mars underwent 6-20 separate ice ages during the past 300-800 million years, with rocks trapped in glaciers providing a natural experiment. The findings hold implications for planetary geology and space exploration, including the potential for life on Mars.
Debris-covered glaciers on Mars formed over multiple glaciations
High-resolution imaging revealed debris-covered glacier deposits on Mars formed in multiple punctuated episodes of ice accumulation over long timescales. Boulder size and distribution varied across the glacial landforms, contradicting predictions for a single continuous deposition period.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021
Fluvial mapping of Mars
Researchers have created the largest image ever made of Mars' surface, mapping three billion-year-old sedimentary rocks and identifying 18 new fluvial ridges. The study provides unprecedented insight into ancient river systems on Mars, which could prove valuable targets for future exploration of past climates and tectonics.
Study of dune dynamics will help scientists understand the topography of Mars
Researchers at UNICAMP conducted over 120 experiments to model Mars' long, slow-moving barchan dunes. They identified five basic types of interaction between the dunes, including chasing and merging mechanisms.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 16, 2020
Water on Mars not as widespread as previously thought, study finds
Researchers created maps of where brines are most likely to be found on Mars by considering global weather patterns and multiple phase changes. Favorable conditions for stable brines are mostly in mid- to high-northern latitudes, large impact craters in the southern hemisphere, and shallow subsurface near the equator.
Best region for life on Mars was far below surface
A Rutgers-led study suggests the most habitable region for life on Mars would be up to several miles below its surface due to subsurface melting of thick ice sheets. Liquid water may have been stable at great depths, allowing life to thrive through hydrothermal activity and rock-water reactions.
New tech can get oxygen, fuel from Mars's salty water
Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a brine electrolysis system that produces oxygen and hydrogen from salty water, potentially changing the game for Mars missions and resource utilization on Earth.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020
Field geology at Mars' equator points to ancient megaflood
Researchers from Cornell University and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory discovered evidence of massive floods in Gale Crater, suggesting conditions for microbial life. The flooding, likely caused by a meteoritic impact, deposited unique geological structures indicating flowing water and wind on Mars.
Ancient zircon minerals from Mars reveal the elusive internal structure of the red planet
A team of scientists discovered ancient zircon minerals in a Martian meteorite that date back to 4.5 billion years ago, but also contain younger ages suggesting volcanic activity in the northern hemisphere. The zircons' hafnium isotope composition reveals a primitive reservoir in Mars' interior, unchanged since the planet's formation.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2020
Zircons in meteorites hold clues to Mars' tectonic past
Researchers analyzed zircon crystals from a Martian meteorite, discovering ages ranging from 4.485 to 1.548 billion years, suggesting heavy bombardment and volcanic activity on Mars. The findings imply a previously unrecognized primitive mantle reservoir and significant implications for Mars' tectonic history.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2020
Preparing for a human mission to Mars
The AMADEE-18 Mars analog mission in Oman evaluated operational concepts and optimized strategies for future human missions. A benchmarking tool was developed to improve scientific output, mission safety, and efficiency.
Heat and dust help launch Martian water into space, scientists find
Researchers found that Martian water vapor is transported to high altitudes during warmer seasons, where it's easily destroyed by electrically charged gas particles. The phenomenon contributes to Mars' loss of a global ocean of water over billions of years.
Transport of water to mars' upper atmosphere dominates planet's water loss to space
A new study reveals that water on Mars is directly transported to the upper atmosphere, where it is converted into atomic hydrogen that escapes to space. The process is more pronounced during dust storms, including the 2018 global dust storm.
Escape from Mars: how water fled the red planet
Researchers discovered a large amount of water in the upper atmosphere of Mars, rapidly destroyed by ions, explaining part of the planet's mysterious dryness. This process contradicts the classical picture of water escape from Mars, suggesting it is incomplete and influenced by seasonal and dust storms.
Mining rocks in orbit could aid deep space exploration
A recent study suggests that bacteria can extract useful materials from rocks on Mars and the Moon, paving the way for new technologies to support human exploration and settlement. The findings also highlight the potential of microorganisms to enhance the removal of rare earth elements from lunar and Martian landscapes.
Clay subsoil at Earth's driest place may signal life on Mars
Researchers discovered diverse microbes in Chile's Atacama Desert clay layers, which could indicate the presence of microorganisms on Mars. The study provides a guide for searching for life on the red planet, informing where to look and which instruments to use.
Water on ancient Mars
Analysis of a Martian meteorite suggests water was present on ancient Mars around 4.4 billion years ago, raising questions about the origin of water on Earth and potential for life beyond. The finding could impact theories on planetary formation and exploration.
Geologists simulate soil conditions to help grow plants on Mars
Researchers developed artificial soil mixtures that mimic materials found on Mars, evaluating their fertility and potential for plant growth. The study found that Martian soils may be challenging to use due to textures and nutrient availability, but also identified potential solutions using Earth-based agricultural science.
Neil deGrasse Tyson speaks out on space, politics, and science outreach
Neil deGrasse Tyson shares his views on Mars exploration and the role of commercial enterprise in space discovery. He emphasizes the importance of NASA in pressing human discovery frontiers.
Using chitin, a bioinspired material, to manufacture tools and shelters on Mars
Researchers have developed a simple manufacturing technology using chitin, a ubiquitous organic polymer, to build tools and shelters on Mars. This approach enables the rapid manufacturing of objects ranging from basic tools to rigid shelters, which could support humans in a Martian environment.
Study shows difficulty in finding evidence of life on Mars
Researchers at Cornell University found that acidic fluids may have destroyed biological evidence hidden within Mars' iron-rich clays, making it difficult to search for life on the red planet. The study's lead author suggests that searching for organic compounds on Mars is a challenging task due to the degradation of biological material.
Surprise on Mars
Researchers detected a slight tilt in the seismometer's signal during solar eclipses, likely due to ground cooling and deformation. This effect could be used to map Phobos' orbit with increased precision, important for future missions to the Martian moon.
Sustained planetwide storms may have filled lakes, rivers on ancient mars
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that precipitation must have been between 13-520 feet to fill ancient lake beds and river valleys on Mars. This study helps scientists understand the planet's climate and provides a crucial reference for future Mars missions.
The most sensitive instrument in the search for life in space comes from Bern
Researchers at the University of Bern have developed a new mass spectrometer, ORIGIN, capable of detecting and identifying the smallest amounts of extraterrestrial life traces. The instrument outperforms previous space instruments in terms of measurement sensitivity.
Deep learning will help future Mars rovers go farther, faster, and do more science
The NASA JPL team is using deep learning to develop software for future Mars rovers, which will enable them to travel farther and explore more of the planet. The team has been training machine learning models on the Maverick2 supercomputer and developing novel capabilities such as Drive-By Science and Energy-Optimal Autonomous Navigation.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalPlanetary and Space Science·DateAug 19, 2020
Lava tubes on Mars and the Moon are so wide they can host planetary bases
Researchers discovered Martian and lunar lava tubes are up to 1,000 times wider than those on Earth, with volumes exceeding 1 billion cubic meters. The study highlights the potential of these underground cavities for future space exploration and settlement.
Rice researchers use InSight for deep Mars measurements
Researchers from Rice University have made the first direct measurements of three subsurface boundaries from Mars' crust to its core using NASA's InSight Lander data. The study provides insights into Mars' early history, planetary formation, and the planet's development from a chemical and thermal perspective.
Early Mars was covered in ice sheets, not flowing rivers
New research published in Nature Geoscience reveals that early Mars was covered in ice sheets, not flowing rivers. The study analyzed over 10,000 Martian valleys and found striking similarities with subglacial channels in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
ORNL-produced plutonium-238 to help power perseverance on Mars
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory's production of ORNL-produced plutonium-238 enables the Perseverance rover to power its journey across Mars. The lab has been consistently increasing its Pu-238 production capabilities, aiming to produce 1.5 kilograms per year by 2026.
NYUAD astrophysicist investigates the possibility of life below the surface of Mars
Astrophysicist Dimitra Atri's study suggests the presence of a life-supporting environment on ancient Mars due to traces of water and radiation-driven chemical reactions. The ExoMars mission may detect microbial life in this subsurface environment, providing valuable insights into the planet's habitability.
Mars 2020 mission to be guided by USGS astrogeology maps
The USGS has created precise maps of the Mars 2020 landing site in Jezero crater, which will help the Perseverance rover steer itself to a safe landing. These high-resolution maps are essential for unlocking the mysteries of the red planet's past and searching for evidence of past life.
NAU planetary scientist collaborates on first-ever Mars mission launched by Arab world
A veteran NAU planetary scientist collaborates with UAE and US teams to develop Emirates Mars Infrared Spectrometer (EMIRS), providing a unique view of Martian atmosphere. The Emirates Mars Mission 'Hope' orbiter arrives at Mars in February 2021, collecting images and data for two years.
Mini-'Marsquakes' measured by InSight lander show effects of sun and wind
Researchers at Kyushu University analyzed data from NASA's InSight lander to determine the sources of different types and frequencies of Martian microtremors. The study found that low-frequency P-waves were related to changes in wind and solar irradiation, while higher-frequency ambient noises were dominated by lander vibration.
SwRI scientists demonstrate speed, precision of in situ planetary dating device
The CODEX instrument uses ablation lasers and mass spectrometry to determine rock ages with precision ±20-80 million years, significantly more accurate than current methods. The miniaturized version will enable faster data acquisition on lander missions to the Moon or Mars.
NASA takes first step to allow computers to decide what to tell us in search for life on Mars
Researchers at NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre have developed intelligent systems capable of identifying geochemical signatures of life from rock samples. The new system, set to debut on the 2022/23 ExoMars mission, will prioritize data transmission over huge distances, overcoming limitations in the search for life on Mars.
Electrically charged dust storms drive Martian chlorine cycle
New research from Washington University in St. Louis finds that electrostatic discharge during Martian dust storms generates highly reactive chlorine compounds, driving the surface-to-atmosphere cycle of chlorine. The ongoing chlorine cycle may impact the detection of biomarkers on Mars.
Ancient asteroid impacts created the ingredients of life on Earth and Mars
A new study found that meteorite crashes can create amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, by simulating ocean impact reactions. The discovery supports extraterrestrial delivery as a possible origin of life's essential molecules on Earth and Mars.
Scientist captures new images of Martian moon Phobos to help determine its origins
Scientists have captured new images of Phobos using NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter, providing insight into the moon's surface temperature variations and composition. The images suggest a relatively uniform surface made of fine-grained materials, mostly basaltic in origin.
MAVEN maps electric currents around Mars that are fundamental to atmospheric loss
The MAVEN spacecraft has created a map of electric current systems in Mars' atmosphere, revealing a crucial role in atmospheric loss. The currents, generated by solar wind interaction, transform energy into magnetic and electric fields that accelerate charged particles into space.
NASA's Curiosity rover finds clues to chilly ancient Mars buried in rocks
Scientists studying Martian rocks find evidence of long-lived lakes, organic compounds, and a cold ancient environment. The discovery suggests that Mars' climate may have changed over time, with factors like volcanic activity and changes in the planet's obliquity contributing to these shifts.
Mystery of lava-like flows on Mars solved by scientists
Researchers found that free flowing mud under Martian conditions behaves differently from on Earth due to rapid freezing and icy crust formation. The experimental mud flows formed similar shapes to 'pahoehoe' lava, explaining the formation of lava-like flow morphologies on Mars.
Mars: Where mud flows like lava
A team of researchers recreated Martian conditions in a low-pressure chamber, observing the flow of mud that behaves similarly to pahoehoe lava flows on Earth. The study confirms sedimentary volcanism is possible on Mars, prompting a reevaluation of geological structures previously attributed to lava flows.
What's Mars made of?
Scientists have measured the velocity of seismic waves in iron-sulfur alloys thought to comprise Mars' core, providing crucial information about the planet's internal structure. This study simulates the Martian core's composition and origin, helping researchers compare observations with Martian space probes.
SwRI scientist modeled Mars climate to understand habitability
A Southwest Research Institute scientist modeled Mars' atmosphere to determine that salty pockets of water on the Red Planet are unlikely to be habitable by Earth-based life. The study found stable brines could form seasonally, but temperatures are too low to support life.