Articles tagged with Mars
New research on Mars suggests that finger-like rock structures could be evidence of ancient microbes, potentially harboring past life. Thousands of geese have died due to toxic waters in Montana's Berkeley Pit, highlighting the spread of heavy metals and acid into groundwater.
For the first time, boron has been identified on the surface of Mars, indicating potential for long-term habitable groundwater in the ancient past. The discovery was made using NASA's Curiosity rover's Chemistry and Camera instrument.
A team of planetary scientists suggests that dramatic climate cycles on early Mars could have created the planet's deep canyons and extensive valley networks. The researchers propose a glacier-covered Mars with long warm periods lasting up to 10 million years, producing enough water to form these features.
A Martian ice deposit, Utopia Planitia, contains approximately as much water as Lake Superior, spanning over 2,050 miles in diameter. The deposit is estimated to be around 260-560 feet thick, consisting of 50-85% water ice.
New evidence from meteorites on Mars indicates a lasting drought on the planet, making it difficult for life to exist today. The study calculates a chemical weathering rate that shows rust formation takes thousands of times longer on Mars than in driest deserts on Earth.
A University of Texas at Austin-led study identifies funnel-shaped depressions on Mars with characteristics suitable for microbial life, including water, heat, and nutrients. The discoveries were made in the Hellas basin crater, where researchers believe volcanic or impact events may have created an environment conducive to life.
New research reveals that ancient rocks can supply energy to microorganisms kilometers below Earth's surface through reactions between water and minerals. This discovery has significant implications for the search for life on Mars, where similar geological settings may support microbial life.
The MAVEN mission provides unprecedented detail on hydrogen escape from Mars' upper atmosphere, revealing a dramatic variation in loss rates throughout the year. The research suggests that water escape is not a steady leak but rather an episodic flow influenced by seasonal and solar activity.
Researchers propose new model of megaflood-carved landscapes, suggesting that deep canyons can be formed in bedrock by significantly less water than previously thought. This study applies numerical flood models to the 'channeled scablands' in eastern Washington State and Mars, revealing that channels were likely formed by flood dischar...
A new study by UCI researchers found that prolonged spaceflight exposure to galactic cosmic rays can cause significant long-term brain damage in rodents, leading to cognitive impairments and dementia. The study raises concerns about the potential central nervous system complications astronauts may face during extended Mars missions.
Phobos' unique orbit and weak interior structure make it prone to tidal stresses that cause fracturing and linear grooves. Researchers found anomalous grooves are caused by impacts, with debris recaptured and falling back onto the surface in a linear chain.
A new study published in Geology reveals extensive fossilized river systems on Mars' Arabia Terra plain, indicating a warm and wet climate around 4 billion years ago. This discovery supports the idea that Mars was once more favorable for life than its current cold and dry environment.
Researchers propose deep underground rocks excavated by meteorite blasts as a promising place to find organic compounds indicative of past or present life on Mars. However, they found that some types of organic compounds are destroyed by impact pressures, while others undergo chemical changes but remain resistant.
New research from North Carolina State University reveals that Mercury's crust-forming volcanism stopped around 3.5 billion years ago, likely due to the planet's small mantle size and rapid cooling. This finding provides insight into Mercury's geological evolution and challenges previous theories about planetary formation.
A new study published in Meteoritics & Planetary Science reveals that mineral veins on Mars were formed by the evaporation of ancient lakes. The research, conducted by scientists from The Open University and University of Leicester, found that the fluids present in Martian Yellowknife Bay were habitable by Earth standards.
Researchers have discovered 'wind-drag ripples' on Mars, which are similar to underwater ripples in shape and spacing. These unique formations provide a way to measure global changes in the planet's atmospheric density over time.
The discovery of high levels of manganese oxides in Martian rocks suggests that the Red Planet may have had a more Earth-like atmosphere in the past. This finding is significant because it could indicate that higher levels of atmospheric oxygen once existed on Mars.
Researchers identified and recorded over 50 species of fungi, algae, cyanobacteria, lichens, and vascular plants at the Mars Desert Research Station. The study provides a first-line reference for identifying these organisms and serves as a starting point for future floristic and ecological work.
Using radar data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, a team of researchers found evidence of an accelerated accumulation rate of ice in the Martian polar cap. The volume and thickness of ice match model predictions, providing insights into Mars' climate change history.
Researchers have confirmed that Mars has undergone multiple rounds of climate change using radar measurements of its polar ice caps. The study reveals the planet's current retreat from an ice age began approximately 370,000 years ago and is still ongoing.
The image reveals details as small as 20 to 30 miles across, showcasing the planet's polar caps, clouds, and vivid rust-colored landscape. The Hubble view also highlights ancient features such as Syrtis Major Planitia and Hellas Planitia basin.
Scientists found evidence of two mega-tsunamis on Mars, triggered by meteorite impacts, which formed cold salty oceans conducive to sustaining life. The research reveals ancient ocean characteristics, including icy lobes with briny waters, providing a potential refuge for life in extreme environments.
A Penn State geoscientist is joining the NASA Mars rover team to investigate whether environmental conditions on Mars were ever favorable for microbial life. He will analyze Martian rocks and compare them to Earth rocks to search for signs of life, including sulfur and organic matter.
Scientists have used a revolutionary image stacking and matching technique to reveal objects on Mars with a resolution up to five times greater than previously achieved. The Super-Resolution Restoration (SRR) method has huge potential to improve knowledge of a planet's surface from multiple remotely sensed images.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study suggests that ancient Martian bombardments created regions with hydrothermal systems similar to those in Yellowstone National Park. These systems may have made early Mars habitable for a time.
Researchers aim to learn about changes in Martian-like sand dunes' grain size, chemical composition, and shape. They seek evidence of microbial organisms in similar environments as Earth, which could provide clues about Mars' past habitability.
Researchers have discovered a complex 4-step process for gypsum formation, opening the way to more energy-efficient production of Plaster of Paris. This breakthrough could also aid in understanding past water availability on Mars and other planets.
Researchers found that wind carved massive mounds of more than a mile high on Mars over billions of years. The study linked the formation of these mounds to climate change on Mars, with sedimentary rocks forming at the base and wind-deposited sediments creating the mound's shape.
The new gravity map provides a detailed view of Mars' interior, revealing a liquid outer core and massive seasonal precipitation. The improved resolution helps understand the formation of specific regions and confirms previous indications about Martian tides.
The comet's passage threw Mars' magnetic field into chaos, with effects seen in real-time during the flyby and even hours after. The findings suggest a temporary surge in gas escaping from Mars' upper atmosphere, similar to a strong solar storm.
The MAVEN mission collected data from a close approach to Martian moon Phobos, providing spectral images of the moon's surface. The observations will help scientists understand the moon's origin, comparing it to asteroids and meteorites.
European scientists sent Antarctic fungi to the International Space Station for 18 months in conditions similar to Mars. More than 60% of their cells remained intact with stable DNA, indicating their ability to survive harsh Martian environments. Lichens from Spain and Austria also showed resilience under simulated Martian conditions.
A 140-meter long sediment core from the Caribbean Sea has uncovered evidence of a massive 2.4 million-year-old volcanic eruption, which was likely larger than any recorded event in the region. The discovery provides valuable insights into past volcanic activity and its potential impact on future eruptions.
Researchers propose a photochemical process that could have evolved the Martian atmosphere without creating excess carbon. The mechanism, which involves ultraviolet photodissociation, enriched carbon-13 in the atmosphere, resolving the long-standing issue of 'missing' carbon.
Phobos will likely break apart and form a ring around Mars due to tidal forces. The debris from Phobos will continue to orbit Mars for millions of years before eventually colliding with the planet.
NASA scientists have found that Phobos' surface features long, shallow grooves, likely early signs of structural failure. The moon's interior may be a rubble pile with a powdery regolith layer, making it prone to stress fractures and eventual destruction.
A recent study has successfully detected dust devils using a seismometer in California, which will help NASA's InSight mission on Mars measure dust devils' impact on the atmosphere. The findings also provide insights into Martian climate and the composition of rocks and dust.
The MAVEN mission has revealed enhanced escape rates of ions during solar bursts, hinting at substantial atmospheric loss in early Martian history. The study also found a large vertical temperature gradient and mixing of gases near the thermosphere and ionosphere.
The Martian atmosphere is losing gas to space via stripping by the solar wind, with erosion rates increasing significantly during solar storms. Researchers have determined that almost 75% of escaping ions come from Mars' tail region.
NASA's MAVEN mission has determined that Mars is losing gas to space via stripping by the solar wind, a process that may have contributed to the planet's dry climate. The research suggests that powerful solar storms can accelerate this process, potentially playing a significant role in changing Mars' climate over billions of years.
Planetary scientist Shoshanna Cole discovered signs of acid fog on Mars, which formed when acidic vapors dissolved minerals and created gel-like cement. The phenomenon was observed in the Watchtower Class outcrops on Husband Hill, indicating a change in the environment billions of years ago.
Researchers used a new process to model planetary formation, showing that rocky planets grow from pebbles, resulting in the massive differences between Earth and Mars. The VSPA model explains why Mars is smaller than expected by suggesting that aerodynamic drag prevents pebbles from colliding with objects near the Red Planet.
A new MIT study proposes refueling on the moon to reduce launch mass for a Martian mission, with the potential to save 68% of cargo. The research suggests that establishing an infrastructure in space could enable sustainable travel between planetary bodies.
A new method developed by Penn researchers can quantify the transport distance of river pebbles from their shape alone, providing evidence for an extensive river system on Mars. The study suggests that Martian pebbles traveled around 30 miles from their source, offering insights into the planet's geological history and potential for life.
Researchers used climate models to predict how greenhouse warming could be the source of water on early Mars, which would support a warm and habitable environment. The study found that volcanic fluxes caused by plate tectonics may have led to a high percentage of hydrogen in the atmosphere, driving global warming.
New data from Curiosity rover finds ancient lakes in Gale crater were stable for 100-10,000 years, providing insights into Mars' past water patterns and climate. The study suggests that the lakes could have supported life for extended periods, raising hopes for finding signs of life on the Red Planet.
Researchers analyzed Eocene rocks found in the Green River Formation and identified features that visually indicate the presence of life. They used chemical analysis to confirm the presence of lipid biomarkers, which are preserved remnants of lipids synthesized by organisms.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered evidence of an ancient lake on Mars that likely represents some of the last potentially habitable surface water ever to exist on the planet. The salt deposit, approximately 18 square miles in size, is believed to be around 3.6 billion years old.
The ChemCam instrument on NASA's Curiosity rover has found evidence of ancient, light-colored rocks on Mars that are rich in feldspar and quartz, similar to those found in the Earth's granitic continental crust. These discoveries suggest that Mars may have had a primitive continental crust around 4 billion years ago.
A new US strategy to send humans to Mars is proposed by NASA, utilizing existing or planned assets to minimize development costs. The plan involves a series of missions starting with a landing on Mars' moon Phobos in 2033, followed by short-stay and year-long landings in subsequent years.
The MAVEN mission has discovered that Mars' atmosphere is losing gas to space due to solar wind and electric forces, creating a polar plume of escaping particles. The spacecraft also detected a long-lived layer of metal ions in the upper atmosphere, and witnessed aurora displays caused by solar activity.
Researchers discovered methane in six Martian meteorites, similar to the Martian atmosphere's composition. This finding suggests that methane could be used as a food source by rudimentary forms of life on Mars.
Researchers from Brown University have detected deposits of glass within impact craters on Mars, suggesting that it could preserve signs of life. The study found large glass deposits in several ancient yet well-preserved craters, including Hargraves near Nili Fossae trough.
Researchers predict that Mars' aurorae can be visible to the naked eye, displaying colors similar to those on Earth. The study suggests that carbon dioxide in the Martian atmosphere contributes to the formation of blue, green, and red aurorae.
Researchers at the University of Kansas are working to improve the detection of life on Mars by combining Raman spectroscopy with gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. They aim to analyze rocks from Earth similar to those found on Mars to strengthen evidence collection, as conditions on the Martian surface are inhospitable.
The CODEX device will allow unmanned rovers to determine the age of rocks on the Moon and Mars by analyzing radioactive elements. This technology has major implications for understanding the history of the inner solar system, including the duration of bombardment and volcanism.
The COSMOS trial enrolls 18,000 participants to examine the long-term cardiovascular health benefits of cocoa flavanols. The study also explores potential benefits on brain health and metabolic health.
Asteroids formed by capturing millimeter-sized chondrules with gravitational force, which then accumulated like sand in a storm. This process could also explain the formation of protoplanets and terrestrial planets, including Earth.
Researchers discovered calcium perchlorate, which lowers the freezing point, allowing for liquid water close to the Martian surface. The presence of brine suggests that large lakebeds and riverbeds existed on Mars, contradicting previous theories about a dry planet.
Researchers have calculated the size of Mars' glaciers using radar observations and ice flow modeling. The ice is found in belts around the planet, between latitudes 300-500, and is equivalent to covering the entire surface with 1.1 meters of ice.