Mars' Mysterious Mounds: Ancient Water Reveals Potential for Past Life

A British study reveals that mounds on Mars' northern plains were formed by ancient water, suggesting the planet may have once harbored life. These formations contain clay minerals, indicating past saturation with water. The UK Space Agency-funded study, led by Dr. Joe McNeil of London's Natural History Museum and The Open University, analyzed images from Mars orbiters. The mounds, some reaching 0.5 kilometers high, are remnants of a landscape the size of the United Kingdom. Erosion stripped away surrounding terrain, leaving these structures. Clay minerals formed as water interacted with rock over millions of years, creating distinct layers. Dr. McNeil emphasizes their significance as records of Mars' aqueous history. These mounds are linked to Oxia Planum, the landing site for the European Space Agency's Rosalind Franklin rover, launching in 2028 to search for life. Mars serves as a model for early Earth due to its preserved ancient geology, aiding understanding of life's origins.