Ponds of water found buried on Mars

12-01-2020


Today’s Video of the Day from the European Space Agency reveals that several ponds of liquid water have been discovered beneath the ice in the south polar region of Mars. 

In 2018, the radar instrument on the Mars Express found one reservoir located about 1.5 kilometers deep. By analyzing the data in a different way, scientists have determined that there are at least three ponds in this location.

The experts assume that the water has very high salinity in order for it to remain liquid at freezing cold temperatures.

According to the ESA, the findings open up the possibility that a system of ancient lakes may exist underground that are millions or billions of years old. These lakes would be an ideal place to search for signs of life on Mars.

Video Credit: ESA 

By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer

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