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Popular science media Live Science reports: the Curiosity rover has found traces of water waves on Mars, indicating the presence of open water on the planet in the past. The research was published on January 15 in the professional research journal Science Advances.
Astrophysicists have discovered wave-like structures, known as wave ripples, that form only when wind blows over open water, proving that Mars had an atmosphere dense enough to support bodies of water 3,7 billion years ago.
The height of the waves found is about 6 millimeters, and the distance between them is 4-5 centimeters. Based on these parameters, scientists determined that the lake was less than 2 meters deep.
The discovery challenges previous models that suggested Martian lakes were covered by ice sheets, and researcher Claire Mondreau of CalTech believes it extends the period when Mars could have been habitable.
The discovery is important for searching for traces of microorganisms on the planet. A longer period of existence of liquid water means a greater chance of the emergence of life.
Recall that modern Mars lost its magnetic field and became vulnerable to solar radiation. This destroyed its atmosphere and water, turning it into a dry and cold world.
The Curiosity rover has previously captured images of mysterious colored clouds on Mars that only appear at sunset. These so-called twilight clouds have red and green hues, but they only appear in certain areas of the planet's southern hemisphere. Scientists are still unsure why they only form in those regions.
Popular science media Live Science reports: the Curiosity rover has found traces of water waves on Mars, indicating the presence of open water on the planet in the past. The research was published on January 15 in the professional research journal Science Advances.
Astrophysicists have discovered wave-like structures, known as wave ripples, that form only when wind blows over open water, proving that Mars had an atmosphere dense enough to support bodies of water 3,7 billion years ago.
The height of the waves found is about 6 millimeters, and the distance between them is 4-5 centimeters. Based on these parameters, scientists determined that the lake was less than 2 meters deep.
The discovery challenges previous models that suggested Martian lakes were covered by ice sheets, and researcher Claire Mondreau of CalTech believes it extends the period when Mars could have been habitable.
The discovery is important for searching for traces of microorganisms on the planet. A longer period of existence of liquid water means a greater chance of the emergence of life.
Recall that modern Mars lost its magnetic field and became vulnerable to solar radiation. This destroyed its atmosphere and water, turning it into a dry and cold world.
The Curiosity rover has previously captured images of mysterious colored clouds on Mars that only appear at sunset. These so-called twilight clouds have red and green hues, but they only appear in certain areas of the planet's southern hemisphere. Scientists are still unsure why they only form in those regions.
