火星にある広大な谷が、かつて同惑星に大規模な水域が存在したことを示す新たな証拠を提供している。赤道付近に約1300キロメートルにわたって広がるシャルバタナ峡谷は、数十億年前に発生した強力な地下水による洪水の兆候を示している。
欧州宇宙機関（ESA）の火星探査機「マーズ・エクスプレス」が、同峡谷の北部を捉えた最新画像を公開した。これらの画像は、太古の洪水によって削られた深い水路や、崩壊した地形、火山灰の堆積物などを明らかにしている。主水路は幅約10キロメートル、場所によっては深さ500メートルに達する。
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.