Scientists have for the first time confirmed liquid water flowing on the surface of Mars, a finding that will add to speculation that life, if it ever arose there, could persist now that gives possible niches for life. NASA researchers uses an imager aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter which confirmed the water flows.
It remains unclear where the water comes from. Theories include deliquescence, melting subsurface ice or even a liquid-water aquifer that feeds the process. This is not the first discovery of water on Mars. Researchers have known for many years that Mars has water frozen at its poles, in its thin atmosphere, and, most recently, in tiny puddles that appear to form at night on the surface. It is yet uncertain to say that whether life exists on Mars or not but Alfred McEwen, who heads up NASA’s HiRISE high-resolution camera aboard the Mars orbiter, said he’s fairly confident life will one day be found on Mars.
Facts About Mars:
- Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun.
- It is also Second smallest planet in the Solar System.
- it is often referred to as the “Red Planet” because the iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance.
- Mars is the site of Olympus Mons, the largest volcano and second highest known mountain in the Solar System, and of Valles Marineris, one of the largest canyons in the Solar System.
- Mars has two moons.
- Mars can easily be seen from Earth with the naked eye, as can its reddish coloring.
- Mars is approximately half the diameter of Earth.
- Over 100,000 people have applied for aone-way trip to colonize Mars in 2022.
- On Mars sunsets are blue.
- A year on Mars has 687 Earth Days.
- The average temperature in Mars is -81°F (-63°C).
- Mars has a flag. It was designed by a NASA engineer.
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