A study reveals the reason behind the redness of Mars

A study reveals the reason behind the redness of Mars

 A recent study revealed that the reason behind the distinctive red color of Mars may not be what was previously thought. According to the new research, the oxidation of iron in Martian rocks may be due to the presence of liquid water, and not due to the oxidation of hematite in dry conditions as scientists had thought.

Planetary geologist Adomas Valentinas, from Brown University in the US, said: “We have discovered that ferrihydrite, a mineral containing iron oxide, could be responsible for the redness of Mars. This mineral forms rapidly in the presence of cold water, which reflects the presence of water on the planet’s surface in the past.”

Mars, called the "Red Planet," has long been known for its red color due to ancient rusting processes, where iron-containing rocks decayed, covering its surface in a red dust that is clearly visible in the night sky.

However, it has not been entirely clear how this process occurred, especially with contradictory evidence suggesting there was water on Mars in ancient times. In the past, scientists believed that hematite, which forms in dry conditions, was the mineral responsible for this red color.

However, recent studies have shown that the presence of liquid water was the main factor behind the formation of red minerals in Martian rocks. To reach this conclusion, the researchers analyzed data from several spacecraft, in addition to samples of Martian meteorites, and concluded that ferrihydrite is the most logical explanation for the formation of oxidized iron on the surface of Mars.

Studies have shown that this mineral can only form in the presence of water on the planet's surface. “Mars is still the red planet, but our understanding of what causes its color has changed radically,” Valentinas added. He explained that this discovery means that Mars rusted earlier than previously thought, and that it may have contained water for longer than we imagined.

Of course, these results remain to be fully confirmed. However, scientists hope that samples that will soon be collected from Mars will provide more evidence confirming this discovery, opening a new door to understanding the history of the Red Planet and the possibility of life on it in the past.

This study may redefine the geological and water history of Mars, and may help develop a deeper understanding of the conditions that may have allowed life, if it existed, to thrive on this exciting planet.