Evidence of Hot Water on Mars Found in Ancient Meteorite From Early Days of Solar System 5z416k Technology News

A 4.45-billion-year-old zircon grain reveals Mars had water-rich fluids, suggesting early habitability. 23x17

Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 25 November 2024 23:38 IST

Evidence of Hot Water on Mars Found in Ancient Meteorite From Early Days of Solar System

Photo Credit: NASA 6t6r3f

A 4.45 billion-year-old zircon grain hints at ancient hot water activity on Mars

Highlights

Martian zircon shows evidence of water 4.45 billion years ago
Study uncovers early Mars hydrothermal systems linked to habitability
Research suggests Mars once had life-ing conditions

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The earliest known direct evidence of hot water activity on planet may have ed habitable environments in its ancient past. Scientists analysed a zircon grain estimated to be 4.45 billion years old, extracted from the Martian meteorite NWA7034, often referred to as "Black Beauty." Geochemical signatures within the grain suggest interactions with water-rich fluids during the planet's formative years.

Hydrothermal Systems and Their Role in Habitability e2l3h

The Earth.

Key Findings and Expert Insights 4o3m2p

Dr Aaron Cavosie, from Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, explained to Science Advances that nano-scale geochemical analysis revealed elemental patterns indicating the presence of water during early crust formation on Mars. “Despite the intense meteorite impacts that reshaped the Martian surface, evidence of water during this turbulent era has been preserved,” he stated.

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Implications for Mars' Habitability 58732v

Previous research on the same zircon grain had confirmed that it had undergone shock deformation from a meteorite impact, making it the only known shocked zircon from Mars. This new study expands on earlier findings by providing direct evidence of water's involvement in the grain's formation.

The international collaboration, ed by Curtin University, the University of Adelaide, and the Swiss National Science Foundation, marks a significant advancement in understanding Mars' early environmental conditions and its potential to have hosted life. The study's insights enhance the scientific understanding of ancient Martian hydrothermal systems and their critical role in creating habitable environments.

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