Mars valley reveals clues to ancient ocean and floods

May 15, 2026

Reported by AI

A vast valley on Mars offers new evidence that the planet once held large bodies of water. Shalbatana Vallis stretches about 1,300 kilometers near the equator and shows signs of powerful groundwater floods from billions of years ago.

The European Space Agency's Mars Express spacecraft captured fresh images of the northern section of the valley. These views highlight deep channels carved by ancient floods, collapsed terrain, and deposits of volcanic ash. The main channel measures around 10 kilometers wide and up to 500 meters deep in places.

Study indicates ancient Mars was warm and wet

A recent analysis of clay pebbles from Mars' Jezero crater suggests the planet experienced a warm and wet climate during the Noachian epoch billions of years ago. This finding challenges the prevailing view of a cold and icy environment at that time. The evidence comes from NASA's Perseverance rover and points to conditions potentially suitable for life.

Nyad scientists find evidence of ancient underground water on Mars

March 16, 2026 Reported by AI

Researchers from New York University Abu Dhabi have uncovered evidence that water flowed beneath Mars' surface billions of years ago, potentially sustaining habitable conditions longer than previously thought. Analysis of ancient sand dunes in Gale Crater, studied by NASA's Curiosity rover, shows minerals left by groundwater. These findings suggest subsurface environments could have protected microbial life after surface water vanished.

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Greenland ice melt may release vast methane stores

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Scientists map deep mantle deformation linked to ancient tectonic slabs

Researchers have created the first global map showing how Earth's deepest mantle is deformed, primarily in regions where ancient subducted tectonic slabs reside. Using over 16 million seismograms, the team confirmed patterns predicted by geodynamic models. The findings, published in The Seismic Record, offer new insights into mantle flow near the core-mantle boundary.

Moon's contraction uncovers new tectonic ridges

February 18, 2026 Reported by AI

Scientists have mapped over a thousand small mare ridges on the Moon, revealing ongoing contraction and potential seismic activity. These features, among the youngest on the lunar surface, form in the dark maria plains and share origins with known moonquake sources. The findings could guide safer landing sites for future missions like Artemis.

Meteor impacts may have sparked life on early Earth

Scientists suggest that asteroid impacts created hot, chemical-rich environments that could have kick-started life on Earth. A new review led by recent Rutgers graduate Shea Cinquemani highlights impact-generated hydrothermal systems as potential cradles for life's building blocks. These systems may have persisted for thousands of years, providing ideal conditions for early biology.

May 10, 2026 20:20