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Chinese Rover Uncovers Evidence of Ancient Ocean Shorelines on Mars

Evidence from China's Zhurong Mars rover suggests that Mars may have had sandy beaches and ocean conditions suitable for life for tens of millions of years, according to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Researchers found layered structures resembling Earth's beach formations, which may indicate that Mars' northern lowlands were once covered by a substantial ocean.
The study highlights that warm, wet conditions on Mars could have supported microbial life in ancient habitats, as noted by geologist Benjamin Cardenas.
The findings provide critical insights into Mars' geological history and potential for ancient microbial life, guiding future searches for signs of ancient life by identifying areas of historical habitability.

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Nature

Detection of ferrihydrite in Martian red dust records ancient cold and wet conditions on Mars

Iron oxide-hydroxide minerals in Martian dust provide crucial insights into Mars’ past climate and habitability. Previous studies attributed Mars’ red color to anhydrous hematite formed through recent weathering. Here, we show that poorly crystalline ferrihydrite (Fe5O8H · nH2O) is the dominant iron oxide-bearing phase in Martian dust, based on combined analyses of orbital, in-situ, and laboratory visible near-infrared spectra. Spectroscopic ana…

6 days ago·United Kingdom

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Greek Reporter

New Research Challenges Theory on Why Mars is Red

Mars’ red dust may have formed in the presence of water. Credit: Kevin M. Gill / CC BY 2.0 For centuries, Mars has been known as the “Red Planet,” but scientists may have just uncovered the true source of its distinctive red color, challenging long-held theories about the planet’s history. New research suggests that Mars’ red dust likely comes from ferrihydrite, a mineral that forms in water, rather than hematite, a dry iron oxide once believed …

6 days ago

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Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija

Lithuanian discovers why Mars is red: it's because of oceans that once existed here

Mars has fascinated scientists and the public for centuries. One of the main reasons is its reddish hue, which has made four...

6 days ago·Vilnius, Lithuania

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SF Weekly

Mars has been red for millions of years longer than we thought

Previous research revealed that Mars' red color is due to rusted iron minerals in the dust.

6 days ago

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Engadget

New evidence suggests that Mars used to have an ocean and sandy beaches

Researchers just discovered evidence to suggest that Mars was once home to oceans and sandy beaches on the red planet, according to data published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This is a far cry from the arid, freezing and radiation-filled conditions of modern Mars. Scientists discovered evidence of buried beaches after they analyzed below-ground imaging data from China’s Zhurong rover. This data from the northern lowla…

6 days ago·United States

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KESQ

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New research debunks theory about why Mars is red, scientists say

By Ashley Strickland, CNN Mars, with its iconic rusty hue, has long been called the Red Planet. Now, scientists may have discovered the potential source of that distinctive coloration, debunking a popular theory in the process. Mars is one of the most studied planets in our solar system because of its proximity to Earth and the numerous spacecraft that have visited it in recent decades. Together, the orbiters and landers have provided scientists…

6 days ago

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