Scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery: a reservoir of liquid water deep within the rocky crust of Mars. This finding, derived from a new analysis of data collected by NASA’s Mars InSight Lander, represents the first direct evidence of liquid water on the Red Planet.
The Mars InSight Lander, which landed on Mars in 2018, was equipped with a seismometer that recorded vibrations from the planet, known as Mars quakes, for four years. By analysing these seismic signals, scientists were able to detect signs of liquid water hidden beneath the Martian surface.
Previously, evidence of water on Mars was limited to frozen reserves at the poles and traces of vapor in the atmosphere. This discovery, detailed in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides the first evidence of liquid water on Mars, revealing reservoirs located about 6 to 12 miles (10 to 20 kilometers) beneath the surface.
“Understanding the Martian water cycle is crucial for comprehending the planet’s climate, surface, iand interior evolution,” said lead researcher Dr. Vashan Wright from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Prof. Michael Manga of the University of California, Berkeley, who participated in the research, emphasised the significance of water in shaping planetary evolution, noting that this discovery answers the longstanding question of what happened to Mars’ ancient water.
Mars’ surface, marked by ancient river channels and lake beds, suggests that liquid water once flowed abundantly. However, the planet has been a desert for around three billion years, with much of its water lost to space as its atmosphere deteriorated. Prof. Manga pointed out that, like Earth, Mars might harbor substantial amounts of underground water, which could form a global layer more than half a mile deep if distributed evenly.
Despite this promising discovery, the water’s location poses challenges for potential Mars colonisation efforts. The reservoirs are situated 10 to 20 kilometers deep, making them difficult to access with current technology. Prof. Manga humorously noted that even ambitious plans, such as those proposed by Elon Musk, would face significant hurdles in drilling to these depths.
“It’s sequestered 10-20km deep in the crust,” explained Prof Manga. “Drilling a hole 10km deep on Mars – even for [Elon] Musk – would be difficult,” he added.
The discovery also renews hopes in the search for life on Mars. “Without liquid water, you don’t have life,” said Prof. Manga. “If there are habitable environments on Mars, they may be found deep underground where this water is located.”
The Mars InSight mission, which concluded in December 2022, has provided invaluable data about the Martian interior. With these new insights, scientists continue to explore the potential for life and the planet’s geological history, marking a significant step forward in our understanding of Mars.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
A Brazilian bridge collapse has killed one person and spilled sulfuric acid into the Tocantins…
Governor Soludo has expressed grief over Okija stampede, urges safety-first approach for future food distribution…
Slovak PM Robert Fico made a surprise visit to Moscow for gas talks with Putin,…
NADDC has announced plans for new auto industrial park to support local manufacturers and reduce…
NACCIMA has partnered with the Federal Ministry of commerce to enhance business competitiveness and economic…
Governor Sanwo-Olu has pledged to explore waterways for tourism, expanding Lagos' transportation system and unlocking…
View Comments
AUCTION PHONES AT CHEAPER RATE AND AFFORDABLE PRICE ITEL PHONES, NOKIA LUMIA, TECNO PHONE, INFINIX, IPHONES, HTC, IG PHONES, SAMSUNG GALAXY, LENOVO, MOTOROLA, OPPO PHONE,SONY EXPERIA, GIONEE. E. T.C AND MANY OTHERS.
BAGS OF RICE,VEGETABLE OIL, AND BAGS OF CEMENT FOR SALE IN A CHEAP AND AFFORDABLE PRICE.
BAG OF RICE -50kg.₦25,000
GALLON OF VEGETABLE OIL -25LTR.₦18,500
BAGS OF CEMENTS-/₦5,500
BUYER SHOULD CALL O8O__6739__9O9O WHATSAPP ME ON O8O__6739__9O9O
THE NIGERIA CUSTOMS RECRUITMENT FORM AND REPLACEMENT SLOT FORM ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SALES.
THE LISTED VEHICLES AND THE AUCTION PRICES ARE:-
Golf2=₦350,000
Golf3= ₦450,000
Golf4= ₦550,000
Toyota Camry Tiny light= ₦750,000
Toyota Camry big Daddy= ₦1.2M
Toyota muscle= ₦1.8m
Toyota Corolla= ₦1.2M
Toyota Yaris= ₦650,000
Toyota Matrix= ₦850,000
Toyota Picnic= ₦1.1M
Toyota Sienna= ₦1.3M
Toyota Rav4= ₦1.5M
Toyota Highlander= ₦2.2M
Honda Baby Boy= ₦780,000
Honda Accord EOD= ₦950,000
Honda City= ₦750,000
Honda Crosstour= ₦2.8M
Honda CR-V= ₦1.4M
Honda Odyssey= ₦850,000
Honda Pilot= ₦1.3
Lexus GX460=₦6.6M
Lexus GX470=₦8.4M
Lexus GX570=₦13.8M
Lexus IS-250=₦2.1M
Lexus ES-330=₦1.5M
Lexus ES-350=₦2.6M
Lexus RX300= ₦1.5M
Lexus RX330= ₦2.8M
Lexus RX350= ₦3.2M
Acura RDX=₦3M
Acura RSX=₦2.8M
Acura TSX=₦2.6M
Acura ZDX=₦3.2M
Acura MDX= ₦2.4M
Mercedes-Benz C-Class= ₦950,000
Mercedes-Benz E-Class= ₦1.1M
Mercedes-Benz GLK= ₦4.5m
Mercedes-Benz ML320= ₦850,000
Mercedes Benz ML330= ₦1.8M
Mercedes-Benz ML350= ₦5.2M
Nissan pathfinder= ₦1.9M
Nissan Altima= ₦820,000
Nissan Armanda= ₦3.2M
Nissan Maxima= ₦600,000.e.t.c.
NOTE�: YOU ARE ALLOWED TO PAY FOR THE CUSTOM DUTIES AND CLEARANCE BEFORE THE DELIVERY, WE DO NATIONWIDE DELIVERY. KINDLY CONTACT THE SALE'S DEPARTMENT IN-CHARGE VIA CALL ON O8O__6739__9O9O WHATSAPP ON O8O__6739__9O9O
THANKS FOR PATRONIZING US.