Mars unveiled: NASA confirms ancient lake in Jezero Crater

Published January 27th, 2024 - 12:58 GMT
Mars
This NASA photo obtained July 25, 2021 shows NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter (Photo by Handout / various sources / AFP)

ALBAWABA - NASA's Perseverance Rover has made a groundbreaking discovery, confirming the existence of an ancient lake on Mars in the Jezero Crater. This exciting find aligns with scientists' belief that parts of Mars were once submerged in water, potentially harboring microbial life.

The rover, alongside Mars-orbiting satellites, gathered crucial data for this revelation. The mission team, after meticulous consideration of over 60 potential sites, chose the Jezero Crater as Perseverance's landing spot, a decision supported by scientists worldwide.

Jezero, selected after five years of in-depth study, was likely filled with water in its distant past, hosting an ancient river. Perseverance's findings indicate that over 3.5 billion years ago, river channels carved through the crater walls, creating a lake.

The rover's data hints at the intriguing possibility of microbial life existing in Jezero during that ancient era. Scientists are eager to explore further, collecting samples from Mars rocks and soil to uncover traces of past life.

Situated north of Mars' equator, the Jezero Crater, spanning 45 kilometers, adds another layer to our understanding of the Red Planet's history. This discovery fuels the curiosity of scientists worldwide and opens new avenues for exploration.

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