Is there life on Mars? Maybe, say scientists as they reveal flowing water is present

Flowing liquid water, essential to life, is almost certainly present on Mars, scientists believe. Experts think water is responsible for mysterious features on Mars that change with the seasons. A new high resolution technique has revealed gully-like features at four locations, known as recurring slope lineae (RSL), contain salt minerals that precipitate from briny water. The salts, which are not found in the surrounding terrain, are thought to have been left by water flowing down the sides of hills or crater rims.

Water is essential to life as we know it. The presence of liquid water on Mars today has astrobiological, geologic and hydrologic implications and may affect future human exploration.

Nasa scientists

If confirmed the discovery has major implications for the chances of finding life on Mars, and future human exploration of the Red Planet. Mars is a cold barren desert today but is thought to have been warmer and wetter billions of years ago, with a thicker atmosphere, rivers and oceans. Much of the planet’s water is believed to have evaporated into space, but some remains locked in the polar icecaps and possibly in pockets underground. The new research is based on an analysis of spectral data from the American space agency Nasa’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft.

Science Mars