Mars’ surface rocks have long been a source of intrigue for scientists, and a recent discovery has shed new light on the red planet’s mysterious past. A team of researchers has found evidence that suggests Mars was once a warm and wet place, with conditions ideal for life as we know it.
The key to unlocking this information lies in the mineral content of rocks found in Jezero Crater. The unique composition of these rocks is unlike anything seen on Earth, and experts believe they formed under conditions that would be hospitable to microbial life.
According to planetary scientist Roger Wiens, “These minerals form where there is intense rainfall and a warm climate or in hydrothermal systems such as hot springs. Both environments are ideal conditions for life as we know it.” The rocks in question contain kaolinite, a soft white silicate clay mineral that requires temperate, wet conditions to form.
The discovery of these rocks has sent shockwaves through the scientific community, with over 4,000 examples found in Jezero Crater. Researchers are eager to understand how and where these rocks formed, as this could provide vital clues about Mars’ water history and past habitability.
According to Wiens, “The big questions about Mars are about water.” Scientists believe that a lot of the water on Mars may still be present, bound up in minerals like kaolinite. The research was published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/nasa-rover-shoots-laser-at-martian-rock-and-reveals-ancient-secret