Scientists from the European Space Agency (ESA) have discovered an unusual formation on Mars, resembling a giant emoji.
Oku.AzAccording to GeoNews, the photo was taken by the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter satellite. The satellite’s main task is to search for signs of life on Mars.
According to scientists, this unique find actually consists of chloride salt deposits on the arid surface of the Red Planet. They believe that the analysis of these sediments can provide information about the ancient climate, geology and potential habitability of Mars.
“Once a world of rivers, lakes and possibly oceans, Mars now shows chloride salt deposits detected by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. These sediments may indicate zones of life that existed billions of years ago,” AKA said.
Billions of years ago, rivers and lakes were believed to have existed on Mars. They disappeared as a result of catastrophic cooling. According to researchers, the cold period on Mars began when the planet lost its magnetic field and its atmosphere was no longer supportive. After most of the Martian atmosphere evaporated, the water on the surface suffered the same fate: it either evaporated or turned into ice.
But the very salty waters could have hosted the last forms of life on Mars. The high concentration of salt allows water to remain liquid down to -40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the salt deposits found on Mars may not only be remnants of ancient life, but also a potential refuge for hardy microbes.
The discovery of the Martian emoji is not only an interesting sight, but also provides scientists with valuable information about the Red Planet’s past. Further analysis of the salt deposits will help to better understand the evolution of Mars’ climate and geology and answer the question of whether life ever existed on this mysterious planet.
