Scientists have uncovered evidence of a watery past on Mars, with rocks discovered by NASA’s Perseverance rover revealing high levels of aluminum associated with the mineral kaolinite. The discovery suggests that Mars was warmer and wetter than previously thought, with conditions ideal for life as we know it.
Dr. Roger Wiens, a professor at Purdue University, led the research team that analyzed the rocks using SuperCam, an instrument developed by his team. They found over 4,000 white rocks scattered across the Martian surface, including kaolinite-rich rocks that typically form in warm and wet environments on Earth.
The presence of spinel, likely aluminum spinel, in some of these rocks suggests they may have formed from either igneous or metamorphic processes. Wiens’ team is unsure which process occurred first. The discovery also raises questions about where the water on Mars went, with Dr. Candice Bedford noting that the mineral kaolinite has a lot of water bound up in its structure.
The findings could help guide future searches for signs of ancient extraterrestrial life, as scientists believe that life requires water to exist. By studying Mars’ past and present, researchers can gain insights into its habitability and where to look for hints of life in the future.
This discovery was published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment and suggests that Mars may have been a more hospitable place in the past than previously thought.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/alien-clues-in-strange-martian-stone-scientists-stunned-by-rover-discovery