Why is Mars red? A new study revealed by NASA & ESA

Mars, commonly known as the Red Planet, has long been interested in scientists due to its striking rusty tone. Previously, researchers believed that under billions of years of dry conditions, Mars’ oxidation process slowly turned red under dry conditions. But combining data from the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA missions with new findings from advanced laboratory experiments suggests that the origin of Mars’ iconic colors is wetter.

Why is Mars red?

The study shows that iron rocks of water-rich iron ore minerals may be the cause of Mars’ red hue. The findings show that Mars’ climate can maintain liquid water billions of years ago and iron oxides formed rapidly in the presence of water. The study combined data from the NASA and ESA tasks with laboratory simulations to test this hypothesis. The results open up new possibilities for understanding Mars’ climate history and habitability.

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Source: ESA

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Mars’ climate: then and now

feature	Ancient Mars	Mars today
temperature	Cool, but wet	Cold drying
atmosphere	Thicker, possibly supported liquid water	See more : Optical Illusion Eye Test: You Have Hawkeyes If You Spot All The Hidden Numbers In This Picture Thin, unable to maintain liquid water
Water exists	Rich rivers, lakes and minerals formed in the water	Mainly in frozen or underground ice

What is the role of water in the rusty appearance of Mars?

Recent studies challenge the long-standing hypothesis that the redness of Mars is entirely due to hematite, which is the iron oxide formed under dry conditions. Instead, new analysis shows that iron sulfate is a type of iron oxide that forms rapidly in the presence of water. This finding suggests that Mars undergoes earlier oxidation during periods of abundant liquid water surfaces.

Comparison of Mars iron oxide

Iron oxide type	Formation process	Existing water	Impact on Mars history
blood	Oxidation under billions of years of drying	No	Mars gradually rust
Iron Man	Fast formation in cool water	Yes	Mars rusted a lot during the wet times

The role of iron sulfate in Mars red

Posted in Natural Communications Iron stone, which shows iron oxide minerals, plays a crucial role in giving Mars an iconic red look. Unlike hematite, which was previously considered a major contributor, iron sulfates are formed in lower temperatures and in the presence of cool water.

Source: ESA

How do scientists reproduce Martian dust?

To verify their findings, the researchers conducted controlled laboratory experiments that simulated Martian dust. They use advanced grinding techniques to create dust particles as small as 1/100 people, thus mimicking real Martian conditions. By analyzing these samples using the same method employed by the orbiting spacecraft, scientists confirmed that iron sulfate provides the best match for the actual dust on Mars.

Laboratory lab steps:

• Create Mars dust simulator: Scientists mix iron man hydration with basalt, a volcanic rock found on Mars.

• Dust particle analysis: Samples are analyzed under controlled conditions to match spacecraft observations.

• Comparison with MARS data: Results were compared with ESA’s Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and NASA’s MARS reconnaissance orbital data.

Spacecraft observations confirm the discovery

A large amount of data from past and current Mars missions support this breakthrough discovery:

• ESA’s Mars Express & Tgo: provides mineralogical analysis and reveals water-rich minerals in even the dustiest areas.
• NASA’s Mars Rover (Curiosity, Pathfinder, Opportunity): Contributes ground-based insights into the iron oxide composition of Martian dust.
• NASA’s Perseverance Rover: Dust samples have been collected, which may soon confirm the presence of Flint.

The meaning of discovery

• Mars is much earlier than expected, meaning that the liquid water on Earth is longer than previously assumed.
• The stability of the runner-up under today’s Martian conditions supports the hypothesis that ancient water still affects Mars’ surface properties.
• New missions such as ESA’s Rosalind Franklin Rover and Mars sample return missions will provide deeper insights into the history of the Red Planet and its potential in past lives.

Why this discovery is important:

• Evidence of water: The lack of iron ore presents prolonged water activity.
• Past habitability: It is recommended to be more suitable for life-sustaining environments.
• Climate Insight: Helps rebuild Mars’ transition from a wet to a dry planet.

Expert opinion

according to Brown University Lead Author Adam Valantinas “The prevalence of Martian dust and iron sulfates in rocks formed in wet conditions provides strong evidence to answer hundreds of years of questions about why Mars is red.”

“These findings highlight the value of collaborative research between NASA and international partners in addressing fundamental issues regarding the solar system.” NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, according to Geronimo Villanueva

Future Exploration: Unlocking the Secrets of Mars

The upcoming NASA-ESA MARS sample return mission will allow scientists to directly analyze dust samples on Earth. These findings will refine our understanding of Martian climate history, water availability and habitability.

What’s next?

• Mars sample return mission: Mars dust samples are expected to be brought back for detailed analysis.
• Rosalind Franklin Rover (ESA): The underground layer will be explored to discover more information about the ancient environment of Mars.
• Continuing Mars Orbit Research: Future spacecraft will further improve our understanding of Martian minerals.

in conclusion

Although the red hue of Mars remains a stunning feature of our solar system, its origins may be different from what we once believed. The discovery of a water-rich solution in Martian dust suggests that there is a wetter and dynamic history that changes our perception of the evolution of the Earth and its potential in the past lives. As the new mission continues to reveal the mystery of the Red Planet, it is certain that Mars still has many secrets waiting to be discovered.

As scientists continue to explore the mysteries of Mars, please stay tuned for more updates!

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion