New research published by scientists at institutions in Italy, Australia and Germany has found fresh evidence of a saltwater lake and a number of smaller saltwater ponds under the surface of Mars’ southern ice cap, raising the possibility of the existence of life on the planet.Key Facts
The findings were made by Italian scientists using the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding instrument on the European Space Agency's Mars Express spacecraft, according to a studyScientists were able to conclude that the lake was indeed in liquid form and this could have “important consequences for astrobiology and the presence of habitable niches on Mars,” CNNApart from the large lake, the scientists managed to detect several other smaller patches of water of...
The liquid nature of the water bodies suggests that they are “hypersaline”—containing high amounts of salt— which prevents them from freezing despite the cold environment. According to the scientists, the saline nature of the water bodies may have allowed them to “survive for an extended period of time on a geological scale,” which could help us gain a better understanding of Mars climate and chemical makeup.
The scientists speculate that the water bodies may either host anaerobic life forms, which are microbial organisms that don’t need oxygen or extremophiles and organisms that can survive in extreme temperatures."The possibility of extended hypersaline water bodies on Mars is particularly exciting because of the potential for the existence of microbial life," the study said.
We just spent the last 6 months on how to survive in planet earth
All these research funds are a waste in my opinion. Earth is enough, let's take care of it. 🥰🌍🥰
I want to live here. Fix it!!
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: Slate - 🏆 716. / 51 Read more »
Source: ELLE Magazine (US) - 🏆 472. / 51 Read more »
Source: billboard - 🏆 112. / 63 Read more »
Source: Mirror Celeb - 🏆 476. / 51 Read more »
Source: NPR - 🏆 96. / 63 Read more »
Source: ELLE Magazine (US) - 🏆 472. / 51 Read more »