image source, Getty Images
Opal gems in rock crevices. Indicates that there was recently water under the surface of Mars.
Data from the Rover Curiosity show that cracks in the rock on the surface of Mars’ Gale Crater are filled with luminous opal gemstones.
The discovery was made at the bottom of an ancient lake that had dried up. This could be evidence that there was recently water under the surface of Mars. And the chance of finding traces of microbial life is on the rise.
According to a study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets on Dec. 19, 2022, opal forms when water interacts with silica-rich underground rock. which is 154 kilometers wide
The Neutron Velocity Sensor (DAN) is used on the Curiosity patrol robot. to double check whether the glowing mineral found is opal or not
As a result, neutron particles hit by space radiation bounced around that area. It moves more slowly due to exposure to hydrogen, the major constituent of water. This indicates that the mineral found is opal, which has water as its main ingredient.
image source, MSSS/NASA/JPL-CALTECH
An image of the surface of Mars showing fractures in rock formations where opal fluorescence is observed.
Dr Travis Gabriel, lead researcher at the US Geological Survey (USGS), said: This is an indication that water has been sitting below the surface of the Gale Basin for many years. after the ancient lake has dried up.
Dr. Gabriel also pointed out that this groundwater period was during the neolithic era of Mars, about 2.9 million years ago, meaning that microbial life would have survived and survived longer than previously thought . If there was life on Mars in the past.
This discovery is another proof that in the past, Mars had many reservoirs of water and they could be found everywhere. The research team also proposed that the area where the opal gems were found is the destination of a new Mars exploration mission. which will also see visiting astronauts for the first time
