A new discovery shows ancient traces of water on Mars, dating back 4.45 billion years, found in an isolated zircon mineral grain inside the Black Beauty meteorite. This meteorite, discovered in the Sahara desert in 2011, has opened a unique window to study the early history of the "Red Planet".
The researchers analyzed zircon, a mineral known for its durability and ability to preserve traces of the conditions of its creation. The analysis revealed that water existed in the crust of Mars only 100 million years after the formation of the planet. Elements such as iron, sodium and aluminum found within zircon indicate that this mineral was formed in the presence of mineral-rich water, suggesting the existence of hydrothermal systems, such as hot springs.
"This is the earliest evidence of water on Mars and indicates that the planet may have had habitable conditions," Jack Gillespie, author of the study from the University of Lausanne, was quoted as saying by CNN.
Hydrothermal systems are associated with similar environments on Earth, where life often originates. Although Black Beauty is the best current source for studying the early history of Mars, the return of selected samples by robots sent there, such as Perseverance, may provide more detailed data. The robot is currently collecting samples from Jezero Crater, where lakes and hydrothermal systems are believed to have existed 3.7 billion years ago.
This study shows the importance of the search for water and early life, raising new hypotheses about the history of Mars and its potential to allow life on it. (A2 Televizion)
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