Astronomers recently made a map that reveal the places where we can find old traces of water on Mars. It was established using the data collected over the past decade by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. These two satellites are currently in orbit around the red planet. This card, fruit of several years of workwill be useful for further research.
Scientists have claimed that this is the most complete map to date on specific Martian mineral deposits. In particular, there are aqueous mineral deposits like clay, materials that have been altered by the presence of water. In fact, since the launch of the Curiosity rover, astronomers have been able to detect the presence of clay on Mars and observe it very closely.
This giant card allows them to see places where we can find and gives them a fuller picture of the story of water on mars. They will be able to better plan future exploration of this world which is now dry and dusty.
Hundreds of Thousands of Aqueous Mineral Deposits Discovered on Mars
At start of investigationabout a thousand aqueous mineral deposits have already listed on Mars. astronomers then identified many more. This research was directed by planetary scientist John Carter from the University of Paris-Saclay and the University of Aix Marseille in France. He stated :
“I think we’ve collectively oversimplified Mars.”
This new map then made it possible to highlight hundreds of thousands of deposits aqueous minerals on Mars. Most are concentrated in the oldest parts of the surface of the red planet.
A tool that will make it possible to study the composition of Martian soils
A further study of the structure of these minerals will make it possible to reveal the amount of water formerly present on Mars. More specific information on the composition of Martian soils can also be updated thanks to these analyses.
For example, here on Earth, clays form when water and another mineral interact, giving rise to a different mineral. In addition, vermiculites, smectites and chlorites are formed when water interacts with iron or magnesium. Smectites and kaolins are formed by the interaction of water with aluminum.
SOURCE: SCIENCEALERT