The potential for life on Mars is getting revealed. More recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has found reserves of water ice in large quantities on the Red Planet. These findings are expected to be an oasis if there's the human exploration missions to Mars in the future.
Water is the key to realize of the humans dream for live on Mars in the future. Water is not only necessary to safeguard the lives of the astronauts, but also to produce the fuel as well as agriculture.
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| Mars presents arguably the best location to for humans to make the first steps in colonizing space, not least of all for its abundant reserves of water. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1gQ0RE) |
"These reserves may be more accessible than most water ice on Mars, due to it's located in a lower position and form of the plain, smooth area in which the spacecraft will be much easier landed than other areas with reserves of ice water buried," said Jack Holt, a researcher from the University of Texas.
The water supply was found under the location of which is known as Utopia Planitia, a plain on Mars where NASA's Viking 2 landing for the first time in 1976.
The water supply was found under the location of which is known as Utopia Planitia, a plain on Mars where NASA's Viking 2 landing for the first time in 1976.
By using data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's ground-penetrating Shallow Radar (SHARAD), the researchers found a lump of ice with a thickness of 250 feet (80 meters) to 560 feet (170 meters).
These blob able to cover the area of the State of New Mexico. The reserve consists of 50 to 85 percent water ice mixed with dust and rock.
These blob able to cover the area of the State of New Mexico. The reserve consists of 50 to 85 percent water ice mixed with dust and rock.
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| Massive water ice reservoir were found on Mars could keep settlers alive. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1gQ0a0) |
Utopia Planitia located between the Martian north pole and the equator. Estimated reserves of ice water buried because can not survive if it is located on the surface.
"These reserves may be formed by snowfall that occurred throughout the history of Mars, and then collected into a layer of ice mixed with dust," said Holt.
"These reserves may be formed by snowfall that occurred throughout the history of Mars, and then collected into a layer of ice mixed with dust," said Holt.
Of course, the presence of water ice will be led to speculation about life on Mars. Could it be the underground water pockets formed which then able to lead to emerge the microbes?
"When the water ice is already there in a long time in one place, we do not know whether there is the same backup elsewhere sufficient to support the emergence of microbial life," said Holt.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SEEKER]
"When the water ice is already there in a long time in one place, we do not know whether there is the same backup elsewhere sufficient to support the emergence of microbial life," said Holt.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SEEKER]
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