Spectrographic readings from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter indicate the presence of hydrated salts, mostly perchlorates, in a common surface feature called "recurring slope lineae". The best conclusion at this time is that, during the summer months, salty water melts and flows downhill to form the lineae, then freezes during the winter.
This water may, however, be unable to support life. The salt content is incredibly high, which lowers the freezing point and allows it to melt at -23° Celsius. An Antarctic lake with similarly low temperature and high salinity is lifeless, so scientists are conservative in stating the effects this has on the potential for life on Mars.
RSLs have long been considered weak evidence for water on Mars. Current Mars rovers are prohibited from examining them, as they were not sufficiently sanitized before launch, and Earth microbes may have hitched a ride. While the Mars 2020 mission will also not be completely sterilized, I expect probes after that will be, to examine these formations up close.
Water on Mars
gman003 writes:
NASA reports strong evidence that liquid water exists on Mars at the present time.
Spectrographic readings from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter indicate the presence of hydrated salts, mostly perchlorates, in a common surface feature called "recurring slope lineae". The best conclusion at this time is that, during the summer months, salty water melts and flows downhill to form the lineae, then freezes during the winter.
This water may, however, be unable to support life. The salt content is incredibly high, which lowers the freezing point and allows it to melt at -23° Celsius. An Antarctic lake with similarly low temperature and high salinity is lifeless, so scientists are conservative in stating the effects this has on the potential for life on Mars.
RSLs have long been considered weak evidence for water on Mars. Current Mars rovers are prohibited from examining them, as they were not sufficiently sanitized before launch, and Earth microbes may have hitched a ride. While the Mars 2020 mission will also not be completely sterilized, I expect probes after that will be, to examine these formations up close.
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