Chinese Researchers Find Evidence of Water on Mars through Zhurong Rover

BEIJING (ANTARA) – Chinese researchers claim to have found water on Mars for the first time as data collected by rover Zhurong .

The findings were published in an international academic journal Advances in Science and Research which shows several things, such as surface crust, cracks, granulations, and water marks in the Martian dunes around the Zhurong landing site.

These data lead to the analysis that the surface of the dune is rich in water containing minerals, such as sulfate hydrate, protein, and iron hydroxide.

“More importantly, we believe that the presence of water in the dunes was not formed from groundwater or carbon dioxide, but from frost or snow,” Qin Xiaoguang said, as quoted by Chinese media on Saturday (6/5).

Qin is an author of research reports in scientific journals.

The presence of water on Mars is a very interesting topic for some circles because it can provide important implications for the migration of adventurers and understanding the evolution of the climate on the planet.

The presence of water in liquid form indicates that Mars is a potentially habitable environment for life, as mentioned in Science and Technology Daily Friday (5/5).

Several previous studies have shown the presence of water overflow in liquid form.

However, due to the loss of the atmosphere, the Martian climate has undergone major changes, such as very low air pressure, which makes it difficult for water vapor to melt.

Several water droplets found by the United States Mars Phoenix team indicate the presence of salty water on the Martian plateau in summer.

In addition, the simulation results show that certain climate situations compatible with water in some areas of Mars are still temporary.

“However, there is very little direct observational evidence for the presence of liquid water on the warmest low surface on Mars,” said Qin, who is also a researcher at the China Institute of Geology and Geophysics.

In 2021, China’s first Mars exploration mission Tianwen-1 successfully landed Zhurong on the southern edge of Utopia Planitia, the lowest area of ​​planet Mars.

Zhurong has been active for 347 years sol (356.5 Earth days) since being placed on the surface of Mars. The rover has been inactive since May 20, 2022 ahead of a sandstorm and Martian winter.

Reporter: M. Irfan Ilmie
Editor : Editor Makassar
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