Scientists often explore planets by studying the minerals on their surfaces. These minerals reveal secrets about how worlds are formed. Recently, researchers have been focused on unusual layers of iron sulfates found on Mars, which may indicate a new type of mineral.
Janice Bishop, a scientist at the SETI Institute and NASA Ames Research Center, has led a study to understand these mysterious Martian formations. “We looked at two sulfate-bearing sites near the massive Valles Marineris canyon,” she explained. They examined spectral data from Mars orbiters to investigate these strange layers.
The team studied areas with a unique spectral signature related to an iron mineral called ferric hydroxysulfate. Besides Valles Marineris, they explored the Juventae Chasma canyon and an area known as Aram Chaos.
Their research continued in the lab, where they wanted to uncover how ordinary sulfates transform into ferric hydroxysulfates. “Our experiments show that this mineral forms when hydrated ferrous sulfates are heated in oxygen,” said Johannes Meusburger, a researcher at NASA Ames. They even succeeded in creating this mineral in the lab.
Bishop said, “The lab-created material has a unique crystal structure and thermal stability. However, we need to find it on Earth to officially recognize it as a new mineral.” This research could provide valuable insights into how heat, water, and chemical reactions shape Mars’s surface.
Interestingly, the findings suggest that parts of Mars may have been more chemically and thermally active recently than scientists initially thought. This raises intriguing possibilities about the planet’s history and its potential to have supported life.
Recent studies have shown that Mars has a rich geological history. Surveys indicate that its surface features were shaped by processes similar to those on Earth. Understanding Martian minerals helps scientists piece together the planet’s past and its capacity for life.
The study was published in Nature Communications on August 5, reflecting ongoing efforts to unlock the mysteries of our neighboring planet. For more information, you can check out the SETI Institute.
