NASA Finds Water on Mars

NASA Confirms Evidence That Liquid Water Flows on Mars

click image to enlarge      Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona

On September 28, 2015, NASA announced that the latest data from their Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) provides the strongest indication yet that liquid water flows intermittently on Mars.

NASA researchers have detected the presence of hydrated minerals on slopes where mysterious streaks can be seen on the Red Planet. These dark streaks ebb and flow over time, appearing to flow down steep slopes during warm seasons, while fading in cooler seasons. These water flow streaks have been seen in several locations across the planet when temperatures exceed -10 degrees Fahrenheit (-23 Celsius).

NASA’s recent discovery of hydrated salts on the slopes where these streaks occur suggest that that water plays a vital role in the formation of these streaks. The salts lower the freezing point of water, just as salt on roads here on Earth causes ice and snow to melt more rapidly. Scientists say it’s likely a shallow subsurface flow, with enough water wicking to the surface to explain the darkening.

click image to enlarge      Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona

“It took multiple spacecraft over several years to solve this mystery, and now we know there is liquid water on the surface of this cold, desert planet,” said Michael Meyer, lead scientist for NASA’s Mars Exploration Program at the agency’s headquarters in Washington. “It seems that the more we study Mars, the more we learn how life could be supported and where there are resources to support life in the future.” 

The discovery is the latest of many breakthroughs by NASA’s Mars missions.

click image to enlarge      Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona

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