Why is Mars red? Scientists claim to discover a new answer

A group of scientists believe that Mars, who was previously associated with hematitis, discovered a new explanation for the red color. The new answer described in a study published in the journal Nature Communication This Tuesday (25), Can also give clues about the life of our space neighbor.

Previous research suggested that the reddish tone was caused by hematitis, a mineral, which has been formed under dry surface conditions for billions of years after a moist starting period. However, in the last decades, tasks to the Red Planet have provided a more detailed analysis of compositions.

Based on the data of these fields, the team created by experts from various universities Indicates that Ferrhyhidritis is responsible for the red color of Mars. Although this iron oxide, which was formed in the presence of cold water, has been spread to the surface of Mars since its formation, it has continued its Sulu signature to the present day.

“Using different types of iron oxide, we were trying to create a copy of Mars dust in the laboratory. We found that Ferrihyhiditin, which is mixed with a basalt, a volcanic rock, fits better on the minerals seen by the spacecraft on Mars. ”

Tips About Life on Mars

This new research, which helps to answer, still cannot confirm whether there is life there because Mars is red. However, it brings some clues that strengthen such a possibility, because Ferhyhidritis formation is in positive conditions.

To be formed, the iron oxide mineral depends on an environment with oxygen and water from air or other sources, as Valantenes explained. So, the red planet probably had quite different conditions than today, marked with cold and dry climate.

Thus, the study states that Mars has a suitable environment, including liquid water before a sudden change. The authors may deepen the reasons for the red tone of the Mars surface when samples collected by Azim Rover are sent to the world.

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