New evidence suggests Mars was once a water-rich planet with a deep underground ocean. This stunning revelation could rewrite our understanding of the Red Planet.
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| The discovery of a massive underground ocean on Mars has ignited excitement about the possibility of finding extraterrestrial life on the Red Planet. Symbolic image |
Los Angeles, CA, USA – August 18, 2024:
A groundbreaking discovery has unveiled a vast reservoir of water hidden deep beneath the Martian surface. According to a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, data collected by NASA's InSight lander has revealed the presence of a massive underground ocean on the Red Planet.
The ocean, estimated to be between 11.5 and 20 kilometers deep, is believed to be trapped within fractured rocks. Scientists are astounded by the sheer volume of water, which could potentially cover the entire planet in a layer several kilometers thick. This discovery has ignited renewed hope for the possibility of finding extraterrestrial life, as water is a fundamental ingredient for life as we know it.
While previous missions to Mars have uncovered evidence of frozen water, this is the first time liquid water has been confirmed on the planet. The findings suggest that Mars was once a far more Earth-like world with rivers, lakes, and possibly even oceans. However, over billions of years, the planet's atmosphere thinned, and the water gradually disappeared, leaving behind a dry and desolate landscape.
The discovery of this underground ocean offers new insights into Mars' geological history and raises intriguing questions about the planet's potential habitability. Scientists are eager to explore this hidden reservoir further to determine its composition, temperature, and other characteristics.
NASA's InSight lander, which operated from 2018 to 2022, played a crucial role in this discovery by providing detailed seismic data about the planet's interior. The mission's success underscores the importance of continued exploration and research to unravel the mysteries of Mars.