Scientists at the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory found a massive 2,500-mile (approximately 4,000-kilometer) column of molten rock beneath the plains of Mars. The peculiarity of the finding is that this zone could contain the necessary elements for “alien critters” to thrive.
According to the researchers, the discovered rocks appear to generate methane and hydrogen. Based on the characteristics of terrestrial microbes, which use these gases as a source of energy and thrive in environments similar to the one detected, considering that It is possible that these microorganisms develop on the red planet.
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“Microbes on Earth thrive in environments like this, and that could be true on Mars, too.”Jeffrey Andrews-Hanna, a planetary geophysicist at the University of Arizona, stands out in this regard.
The Space Weather Service (SWS) Australian Center for Space Weather Forecasting explained that while Mars is seen as a cold and barren wasteland that has been “dead” for millions of years, This research shows that the red planet is “very much alive”.
Regarding the way in which subterranean life could thrive on the planet, the researchers detailed that the region recently presented floods of liquid water. However, the cause of this event remains a mystery. In this regard, Andrews-Hanna provided a possible explanation: “The same heat from the plume that fuels ongoing volcanic and seismic activity could also melt ice to cause flooding and trigger chemical reactions that could support life deep underground.” .
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In addition to being a refuge for life, scientists argued that the presence of molten rock explains the presence marsquakes (earthquakes on the surface of Mars) near this region known as Cerberus Fossae, which is home to the Elysium Planitia volcanic complex.
Also, below the surface earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. “Our results showed that the interior of Mars is geodynamically active todaydescribed Andrews-Hanna and her colleague Adrien Broquet.
To make this discovery, The team of scientists obtained data from NASA’s Insight roverwhich first landed on Mars in 2018. In addition, it combined geophysical computer and orbital model observations of the Cerberus Fossae rift system.
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