Is there water on Mars? Check out these amazing pics!

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In summary: I can't wait to see more pictures from the High Resolution Stereo Camera.In summary, this article reports that water was detected on Mars in 2004. This is the first direct detection of water on Mars, and it is possible that water exists on the surface at the poles. If there is water below the surface, it is possible that it could be used for future manned missions.
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  • #2
Yes, water was detected in Mars time before this mission, but that were indirect detections. This is the first direct detection of water in Mars. Is possible to melt some part of that ice to form an atmosphere, in the style of the final scenes of Total Recall?
 
  • #3
No, not nearly enough for that (which is why Total Recall talked about large quantities of ice below the surface) but enough to prove that there is water on Mars. Up until now, we only had hints and indications that there probably was, and we could say we were almost certain, but now we know for sure.

And if there's water on the surface at the poles, then there is very likely to be water below the surface elsewhere. Maybe not enough for terraforming purposes, but enough for use by future missions. Especially if we go ahead with the manned missions.
 
  • #4
Imagine how Mars looked when the river that carved this canyon was alive, streaming, jumping, flowing, bubbling, waving :) – so associates on life (some green~fauna around it wouldn’t be bad ;))...
ob_22_reull_v,1.jpg


This picture was taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) onboard ESA's Mars Express orbiter, in colour and 3D, in orbit 18 on 15 January 2004 from a height of 273 km. The location is east of the Hellas basin at 41° South and 101° East. The area is 100 km across, with a resolution of 12 m per pixel, and shows a channel (Reull Vallis) once formed by flowing water. The landscape is seen in a vertical view, North is at the top.
 
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  • #5
Wow, great picture!
 

What is the significance of the discovery of water on Mars by ESA?

The discovery of water on Mars is significant because it provides evidence that microbial life could potentially exist on the planet. It also opens up the possibility of future human exploration and colonization of Mars.

How did ESA find water on Mars?

ESA used the Mars Express orbiter to detect water using its Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS) instrument. The instrument sends out radar pulses that penetrate beneath the surface of Mars and can detect the presence of liquid water.

Is the water on Mars safe for human consumption?

No, the water on Mars is not safe for human consumption. It is highly salty and contains various minerals that would make it undrinkable. Additionally, the water is most likely contaminated with various chemicals and radiation on the surface of Mars.

Could the discovery of water on Mars lead to finding other forms of life?

While the discovery of water on Mars is a promising sign for the potential existence of microbial life, it does not guarantee that other forms of life exist on the planet. Further research and exploration will be needed to determine if there is life on Mars.

What are the next steps for ESA after finding water on Mars?

ESA plans to continue studying the water on Mars and its potential sources and locations. They also hope to send future missions to Mars to collect samples and analyze them for any signs of microbial life. Additionally, ESA will collaborate with other space agencies to further explore the potential for human exploration and colonization of Mars.

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