Scientists analyzing a Martian meteorite, dubbed “Beleza Negra” (Black Beauty), have discovered a surprisingly high concentration of water – approximately 6,000 parts per million – suggesting the planet once held substantial water reserves. The findings, published earlier this month, stem from non-destructive analysis using advanced tomography technology, combining X-ray and neutron scanning.
The meteorite, NWA 7034, was originally found in the Sahara Desert in 2011 and is considered one of the oldest fragments of Mars ever discovered on Earth. Previous analyses of Martian meteorites focused on basaltic rocks, representing the planet’s crust. Beleza Negra, however, presents a different composition, hinting at a more complex early Martian geology. The internal structure of the meteorite reveals dark material interspersed with pink and whitish grains, identified as rock fragments and dust consolidated after impacts in the southern hemisphere of Mars.
The presence of hydrogen within the meteorite, detected through the new tomography techniques, is a key indicator of past water abundance. Unlike previous studies that required destructive sample preparation, the new method allowed researchers to analyze the meteorite’s interior without cutting or dissolving portions of the rock. This preservation is crucial, as Beleza Negra is a rare and valuable sample for understanding the planet’s early history.
The discovery coincides with recent high-resolution imagery captured by NASA’s Perseverance rover, which has been exploring Jezero Crater. Perseverance has identified features indicative of ancient shorelines and wave action, further supporting the theory that Mars once possessed significant bodies of water. Whereas the current Martian atmosphere is extremely dry, the data from Beleza Negra and Perseverance suggest a dramatically different past.
Brigitte Zanda, a meteorite specialist at the French Museum of Natural History and co-author of the Beleza Negra study, noted the significance of the meteorite’s composition. The findings offer insights not only into the evolution of Mars but also potentially into the early history of Earth, as the two planets share similarities in their formation and early development.
NASA’s Perseverance rover continues to transmit raw images from the Martian surface, including recent views of the landscape under clear skies. The agency notes that while images may appear to show a blue sky, this is a result of image processing, as the actual Martian sky is reddish in color. The rover’s primary mission remains the collection and analysis of surface samples, searching for potential biosignatures and further clues about Mars’ past habitability.
