The Discovery Of A New Type Of Cave On Mars That May Be The First Home To Life Outside Earth

Scientists believe that these underground caves were likely formed by water dissolving rocks, a geological process known on Earth as “karstic caves.”

The team based its discovery on studying eight possible cave sites, located in the Hebrus Valles region in the northern hemisphere of Mars.

In a research paper published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, the team revealed that an analysis of spectral data from NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor probe showed that the rocks around these sites are rich in carbonates and sulfates – types of rocks that water easily dissolves.

The 3D models created by the team revealed that the shapes of these formations match those resulting from water slides.

This discovery is an important distinction, as most of the caves previously discovered on Mars were lava tubes formed by volcanic activity. But this study provides strong evidence that these caves were carved by water.

Researchers stress that these caves should be among the top priorities for future missions to Mars, for two main reasons:

• Searching for traces of life: These caves may contain traces of ancient Martian life, as they in the past provided a stable aquatic environment protected from radiation and external factors.
• A haven for humans: Even if no life is discovered in them, these caves could provide a safe natural haven for future astronauts, protecting them from severe dust storms, radiation, and extreme temperatures on the surface.

This discovery is an important step in understanding the geological history of Mars and opening new horizons for searching for life outside Earth. It also lays the foundations for effective exploration of the Red Planet in the future.

Source: interestingengineering