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The evolution of Mars and its ancient atmosphere has been a prominent research topic for scientists. NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover could potentially be the ultimate solution for the temperature and other details about the planet. As per the assumptions made by the researchers, Mars’s atmosphere was crafted with a thick layer of carbon dioxide whereas the surface comprised liquid water. Likewise, the presence of carbonate minerals on the planet would be the result of a potential reaction between water, carbon dioxide, and Martian rocks, researchers say.

Presence of Siderite Detected

Recently reported in the April paper of Science, the presence of siderite has been discovered within the sulfate-rich rocky layers of Mount Sharp on Mars. The discovery was made at three of Curiosity’s drill sites.

According to the lead author and Associate Professor at the University of Calgary, Canada, Benjamin Tutolo, “The discovery of abundant siderite in Gale Crater represents both a surprising and important breakthrough in our understanding of the geologic and atmospheric evolution of Mars”.

About the Drilling Process

To achieve an understanding of the chemical and mineral makeup at the surface of Mars, Curiosity drills three to four centimeters down into the subsurface. Further, the powdered rock samples are then dropped into the CheMin instrument. This instrument analyses the rocks and soil via X-ray diffraction. The CheMin instrument is driven by NASA’s Ames Research Centre in California’s Silicon Valley.

The data analysis of the discovery was conducted by scientists at the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Potential Findings and Atmosphere at Mars

The discovery of this carbonate mineral could potentially be hiding other minerals beneath the surface, in near-infrared satellite analysis. The possible presence of carbonates in sulfate-rich layers across Mars may result in the amount of carbon dioxide, which will be ideal to support the liquid water and create conditions warm enough to sustain water. Also, the scientists doubt the existence of other carbonates, or maybe they might have vanished from space.

To Conclude

The missions and analyses are still undergoing, and they will continue the research in the future. The findings can be confirmed post-research on the sulfate-rice area on the red planet. As the findings arrive, they will help us understand the transformation of the planet and will offer clarity on the ancient atmosphere.

Note: Curiosity is a part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program (MEP) portfolio. It was built by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, managed by Caltech in Pasadena, California. The mission is successfully led by JPL on behalf of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington.

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MIT Detects Traces of a Lost ‘Proto Earth’ Deep Beneath Our Planet’s Surface

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MIT researchers have discovered rare isotopic traces of a “proto Earth” that existed before the giant impact that shaped our modern planet. Found deep in ancient rocks, these potassium isotope signatures reveal remnants of Earth’s earliest material, offering fresh insight into the planet’s formation and the solar system’s earliest history.

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Astronomers Detect Heavy Water in Planet-Forming Disk Around Young Star

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Scientists have detected heavy water in the planet-forming disk around young star V883 Orionis, confirming the water existed long before the star formed. The discovery, made using ALMA, shows that water’s origins trace back to ancient interstellar clouds, linking molecular gas, comets, and planetary systems across billions of years.

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NASA Experiment Shows Martian Ice Could Preserve Signs of Ancient Life

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A NASA study suggests that traces of ancient life could be locked in Martian ice. Lab tests freezing bacteria under Mars-like radiation revealed amino acids can persist for tens of millions of years. Researchers say pure ice offers protection, making Mars’ frozen regions ideal for searching preserved biomolecules.

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