When you think of Mars, you probably imagine a barren landscape of repose in light cold of a distant sun. Each image of Mars that we have is dark, dry and lifeless. While the latter is still under debate, it was announced this week by NASA that Mars is not quite as dry as we once thought.
Scientists have found evidence of liquid water on Mars, which makes the possibility of Martian life seems more plausible than ever.
The scientists drew similarities between Earth and Mars for years now.
Getty Images
They share many of the same qualities, but until now, researchers have seen no evidence of 'life-sustaining water on Mars. Mars is also devoid of atmosphere.
Other regions of the world, as Echus Chasma, were thought to contain evidence of water, but no one was ever quite safe.
Getty Images
Yesterday, NASA announced that liquid water is, in fact, present on Mars. They are not sure how, but it's there! The water was detected when the cameras picked up on a few dark streaks that seemed to be running on the sides of mountains and craters.
After verification, it was determined that the ridges were created by hydrated minerals. In other words, they found water on Mars.
This false color image shows streaks in all their glory aquatic.
NASA
These water streaks - known as "recurrent lineae slope" -. lead scientists to believe that there is a water flow moving source under the surface
NASA
at present, we know that water is brackish, and it appears only at temperatures of -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Although this is a temperature below zero, the salt in water lowers the freezing point.
And in the case of Mars, there is not all that salt, but a substance called perchlorate. This is known to keep water liquid at temperatures as low as -94 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is a video that shows the flows in action:
YouTube / JPLraw
(via the Guardian, NASA)
the presence of liquid water does not necessarily mean that there is life out there. But the fact that the water on Earth has given life on this planet the opportunity to flourish suggests that there may be something alive up there on the red planet.
Whatever comes of this discovery, it is pretty amazing. We could not find any little green men, but this is one of the most monumental achievements of space exploration to date.
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