Mars Used To Have Water That’s Why It’s Red Mars has been attracting the attention of both ordinary people and scientists because of its red colour. There are many interesting things about this planet, also known as the ‘Red Planet‘. A recent study has shown that Mars may have had water in the past, which is why it is now red.
In an article published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers from Brown University and the University of Bern have said that the main reason for the red dust on Mars is the watery iron mineral ferrihydride. They have derived such a theory based on spacecraft, rovers, and laboratory tests that have reached Mars’ orbit. This theory is contrary to the currently prevailing theory. Until now, scientists have been saying that the main reason for the red dust on Mars is dryness and the presence of minerals such as hematite.
We are not the only ones who believe that ferrihydrite is responsible for Mars’ red colour. Other scientists have suggested this before. But we have now been able to prove it by looking at the data and using new methods in the laboratory.”
Ferrihydrite is an iron oxide mineral. It usually forms in aqueous environments. On Earth, it is often found in environments with volcanic rocks and ash. Until now, its role on the surface of Mars was not well understood. But a new study suggests that it plays an important role.
Hematite usually forms in dry, hot places. But ferrihydrite forms in the presence of cold water. This means that Mars once had water, which was essential for life.
The study suggests that Mars, which had a watery environment billions of years ago, later transformed into a dry, desert-like environment.
“The question of whether there was ever life there has always been,” says study author and Brown University scientist Jack Mustard. “To understand that, you need to know what the environment was like when the minerals were forming.”
“Our study provides evidence of the formation of ferrihydrite. This requires oxygen and water to react with iron. It was a very different environment than today’s dry, cold environment. The red colour of the planet was caused by the Martian winds spreading this dust across the surface,” he said.
The information obtained from the Trace Gas Orbiter was compared with data collected by the Curiosity, Pathfinder and Opportunity rovers, which measure the surface of the planet.
The study is said to have opened new doors of opportunity. However, it is said that after the return of the Preservation Rover, which is currently collecting samples on Mars, it will be further checked whether the research findings are correct by comparing them with the samples it brought back.