Searching for life on Mars in the snow and ice

NASA’s Perseverance Rover Reveals Mars’ Volcanic Past – And Hints of Ancient Life

A team of scientists has uncovered new details about Mars’ Jezero Crater using the Perseverance rover’s cutting-edge technology. Their research reveals a complex volcanic history marked by diverse iron-rich rocks, potentially shaped by Earth-like processes such as fractional crystallization and crustal mixing. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the Red Planet’s geology but [...]

Searching for life on Mars in the snow and ice

The surface of Mars is extremely cold, irradiated, and desiccated. But at one time, the planet was much warmer and wetter, with flowing water, lakes, and even an ocean covering most of its northern hemisphere. Because of this, scientists speculate that life may have emerged on Mars billions of years ago and could still be there today. Ever since the Viking 1 and 2 missions landed on the surface in 1976, the search for evidence of past (and maybe…

Playful Martian Dust Devils

The Martian atmosphere lacks the density to support tornado storm systems, but vortices are nevertheless a frequent occurrence. As sun-warmed gases rise, neighboring air rushes in, bringing with it any twisted shred of vorticity it carries. Just as an ice skater pulling her arms in spins faster, the gases spin up, forming a dust devil. In this recent footage from the Perseverance Rover, four dust devils move across the landscape. In the foregrou…

Data from NASA's rover Perseverance show convincing evidence of multiple mineral formation events that point to an aqueous past and possibly sustained life. ...

Mars rocks reveal clues to ancient volcanoes and signs of life

A new study has uncovered fascinating details about Mars’s volcanic past—and its potential to support life long ago. The research, published in Science Advances, focuses on Jezero Crater, where NASA’s Perseverance rover landed in 2021. Scientists have discovered that the crater floor is made up of many types of iron-rich volcanic rocks, offering a clearer […] The post Mars rocks reveal clues to ancient volcanoes and signs of life appeared first …

Mars rover reveals a watery and possibly life-supporting past

Since its touchdown in Jezero Crater in February 2021, NASA’s Perseverance rover has steadily explored Martian rocks. From ancient volcanic deposits to layers formed by vanished lakes and river deltas, the rover’s journey helps scientists piece together Mars’ hidden past. Among the most exciting discoveries are minerals known as sulfates, found abundantly in fractures within Martian rock. These minerals hold essential clues to the planet’s ancie…