Mars, a celestial body that has captivated human imagination throughout history, has been the subject of diverse interpretations—from being considered a deity to a planet potentially inhabited by aliens or invaders. Scientific exploration over the years has provided compelling evidence that Mars once had liquid water on its surface, fueling speculation about the possibility of past life. While conclusive proof of Martian life is yet to be discovered, the consensus among scientists is that Mars was indeed a watery world in the ancient past.
NASA’s Perseverance rover, currently traversing the Martian surface, recently made a significant discovery related to water. A photo captured by Perseverance’s Mastcam-Z camera revealed a distinctive collection of rocks and pebbles scattered in Mars’ Jezero Crater, specifically at the location known as ‘Castell Henllys.’ NASA explained that the rocks and pebbles visible in the image were transported by robust floodwaters billions of years ago.
One of the primary objectives of the Perseverance mission is to explore astrobiology, seeking definitive evidence of past or present life on Mars. While the concept of life on Mars may not necessarily involve the stereotypical antenna-bearing aliens depicted in popular media, the discovery of microorganisms or their fossils would be groundbreaking.
The search for water on other planets, including Mars, is rooted in Earth’s own history. Life on our planet began in water with the emergence of microorganisms, eventually leading to the development of complex aquatic organisms. The presence of water on a planet is considered a key factor for the potential development of life forms. Beyond Mars, Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, is also a prominent candidate in the search for extraterrestrial life. Scientists believe Europa, covered in a thick layer of ice, may have a vast liquid ocean beneath the surface, potentially harboring life.
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