The Red planet Mars is currently being investigated by a rover sent by NASA even as I write this article. The rover has reported an interesting discovery. Silica deposits in Mars dug up by the Spirit rover tells us a lot about the past environment of Mars planet.
Scientists believe that the patch of ground is an evidence of past microbial life in the red planet. Researchers think that the surface might have come in contact with water in the past. If this was on earth, the locations would be ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
The scientists got lucky this time with the find. The rover is going around Mars with a broken wheel. So, it digs up a line of Martian soil wherever it goes. The wheel has become an excavating tool. Earlier, the scientists monitoring the rover found that the soil that came up has a brighter look than usual. Once this was ‘unearthed’(or should I say unMarsed), the scientists took a closer look and they discovered silica.
Various theories have been formulated after the rover discovery. One such hypothesis is that the Spirit is actually ’seeing’ hot spring deposits. Apparently, water dissolves silica from one location and dumps the same in another.
Yet another hypothesis related to the bright soil is that the rover might have stumbled upon fumarole (where acidic steam rises through cracks in the rocks). Both theories are subject to further evidence. I think that this is a great time for NASA and hopefully there will be more finds in the near future. Who knows, we might even find water someday.
Image Credits:.teslasociety
