The potential discovery of massive ice water deposits on Mars has raised significant questions about the planet’s past habitability. Scientists operating Europe’s Mars Express orbiter have identified these deposits, estimating them to be around 3.7 kilometers thick. If melted, they could fill Earth’s Red Sea or cover the entirety of Mars in a layer of water about two meters deep. This finding suggests that Mars once had a vastly different appearance, with glaciers, lakes, and river channels.
Colin Wilson, a project scientist at the European Space Agency (ESA), explains that they have observed evidence of both extinct glaciers and glaciers covered with dust. Most of the water ice seen on Mars today is located at higher latitudes where temperatures are colder, allowing the ice to remain stable. The presence of such massive water ice deposits indicates that there was a significant amount of water on Mars in the past.
ESA’s Mars Express orbiter initially confirmed the presence of ice on Mars in 2004. However, it wasn’t until 2007 that they discovered these deposits. At that time, it was unclear what they were made of, whether they were giant accumulations of dust, volcanic ash, or sediment. In 2015, NASA also announced the presence of flowing streams of salty water on Mars, further revolutionizing our understanding of the planet.
Now, 15 years after the initial discovery, Mars Express’ new data suggests that the deposits are actually layers of dust and ice. This revelation surprised scientists as the ice water is located at the equator rather than the poles. As Wilson states, “We don’t expect to see a polar ice cap at the equator. It’s as ludicrous on Mars as it would be on Earth, but that’s what the data are telling us.” This unexpected finding has excited scientists about the potential for future manned Mars missions.
The fact that the ice water is located at low latitudes instead of polar regions could make human exploration missions easier. Mars is a cold planet, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and -153°C. Finding water ice in low latitudes aligns with the landing requirements for future exploration missions, particularly human missions, due to orbital mechanics and power availability. However, Wilson notes that the layers of dust and ice are buried beneath a protective layer of dust or ash several hundred meters thick, making it challenging to access.
While the discovery of these massive ice water deposits on Mars is significant, it may not fully meet the needs of human exploration missions. Wilson explains that if the ice water is located 300 meters below the surface, it would not be very helpful for exploration goals. Despite this setback, the potential for future manned missions to Mars remains an exciting prospect.
Europe’s Mars Express probe, which departed Earth in June 2003 and arrived at Mars in December 2003, has been studying the Red Planet for over two decades. This recent discovery adds to its extensive research and contributes to our evolving understanding of Mars.
In conclusion, the potential discovery of massive ice water deposits on Mars has shed light on the planet’s past habitability. The presence of these deposits suggests that Mars once had glaciers, lakes, and river channels, significantly different from its current appearance. While the ice water is located at low latitudes, making it potentially advantageous for future human exploration missions, the challenge lies in accessing the buried layers beneath a protective layer of dust or ash. Nonetheless, this discovery marks another milestone in our exploration of Mars and fuels excitement about the possibility of manned missions to the Red Planet.