Iani Chaos, Mars

Water on Mars?

Data suggesting the possibility of water on Mars are of particular interest to scientists, even if the low temperatures and pressure preclude that liquid water exists on its surface today.

ESA’s Mars Express mission is the first major step of Europe’s drive to explore the red planet. Its instruments have provided us with spectacular three-dimensional colour views of the Martian surface, found proof of ice at the poles, underground deposits of permafrost and vapour in the atmosphere.

The presence of large channels, networks of valleys and ancient traces of certain hydrate minerals imply that liquid water once flowed on Mars. Will we finally be able to answer the age-old question: Is there life on Mars?

For more information on this Mars Express image, please click on the following link: Iani Chaos, Mars.