New Mars Study Reveals Liquid Water Deep Below Surface

A recent study using data from NASA's Mars InSight lander indicates the presence of liquid water deep beneath Mars' surface. The findings suggest large reserves of water, which advances the search for life and helps explain Mars' ancient oceans. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

A groundbreaking study released Monday, using data from NASA's Mars InSight lander, has unveiled evidence of liquid water deep beneath the surface of Mars. The discovery advances the search for life on the Red Planet and sheds light on the fate of Mars' ancient oceans.

The Mars InSight lander, operational since 2018, collected seismic data over four years, revealing that liquid water likely exists far below its landing site. This discovery is crucial as water is essential for life, and previous geological studies indicate Mars had abundant lakes, rivers, and oceans more than 3 billion years ago.

Researchers found that large reservoirs of liquid water between 11.5 kilometers and 20 kilometers beneath the surface best explain the InSight measurements. The volume of liquid water detected is believed to surpass that of Mars' hypothesized ancient oceans, offering new insights for future missions and the ongoing quest to find life beyond Earth.

(With inputs from agencies.)