The Discovery of a Volcano on Mars: Possible Signs of Life
Scientists at the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Texas, USA, have made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars. According to a report on the “Livescience” website, a massive volcano has been found on the red planet.
This volcano, measuring approximately 450 kilometers wide and standing at a height of 9,022 meters, has remained undiscovered for over 50 years. Located in the eastern part of the Tharsis volcanic region near Mars’ equator, scientists have identified glacial layer remnants near its base.
Dr. Pascal Lee, a planetary scientist from the SETI Institute and the Mars Institute at NASA Ames Research Center, who led the study, stated that the discovery of the volcano happened unexpectedly. While examining the geology of the region, they stumbled upon the massive and deeply eroded volcano.
The data used for this discovery came from various missions by NASA, including Mariner 9, Viking 1 and 2, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The European Space Agency’s Mars Express mission also contributed to the findings.
The detection of this volcano has sparked interest in its potential for harboring signs of life, making it a significant target for further exploration in the search for life beyond Earth. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the geological history and potential habitability of Mars.
