For the first time in the history of all research carried out on our neighbouring planet Mars, scientists have discovered an active glacier on its surface. This path breaking discovery was a result of images taken by sensor technologies and high-resolution cameras from the Mars Express spacecraft, which was launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) and it marked Europe’s first space mission to the Red Planet. Its High Resolution Stereo Camera has also taken picture of many volcanoes on the Mar’s surface. It has captured detailed images of the Olympus Mons volcano, whose height of 26 kms has proclaimed it the tallest known mountain in the entire solar system.
Scientists anticipate that this major breakthrough can re-initiate the search for life on Mars. They believe that if there is existence of any living micro-organisms underneath the planet’s surface, it could be elevated up to the surface by the water of the glacier. Many other glaciers on Mars that were explored earlier have been millions of years old. This newly-found glacier, with fresh ice, is a rare phenomenon on Mars and hence, has regenerated hope of life on this planet. The researchers involved in the project were highly motivated to witness this new sighting.
One of the chief researchers, Dr Gerhard Neukum told the BBC,
If it was an image of Earth, I would say ‘glacier’ right away...We have not yet been able to see the spectral signature of water. But we will fly over it in the coming months and take measurements. On the glacial ridges we can see white tips, which can only be freshly exposed ice... That means it is an active glacier now. This is unique, and there are probably more.
Mars Express was launched in the month of May, 2003 and had been rotating around Mars since 25th December, 2003. It completed its 5000th orbit encircling the planet in the beginning of December, 2007. During its entire 2.5 year-span of orbiting round Mars, it has provided astronomers and scientists across the world with various images of Mars and its surface. The images have greatly benefited them by developing and reinforcing their knowledge and awareness on the mysterious Red Planet.
Source: Dailymail
