Astronomers find a hidden volcano on Mars

The surface of the young Mars consists of potholes, cowhos, and mysterious configurations that indicate the complex geological past. Scientists have recently studied a confusing feature that could shed light on the history of the out -to -esteem.

The mountain, which floats on the edge of the Mars, may actually be a volcano hiding in sight, according to a new study. This peak, called Jezero Mons, can present a new look at the History of the Geological Red Planet and The possibility of ancient Mars lifeThe researchers say.

The results published in the magazine Earth and environment communications In May, verifying the correct suspicions that Jezero Mons is a voluntary. Using data of three orbits of Mars and Rover in NASA, the researchers found amazing similarities between this mountain and explosive volcanoes that were previously identified on Mars and Earth.

“Jezero Crate is one of the best sites to be studied on Mars. If we are now getting to know a volcano here, imagine a number of others can be on Mars,” He said The corresponding author James Ray, a professor of activist and remote sensing in Georgia Tech, in a university statement. “Volcanoes may be more prevalent across Mars than we thought.”

WRAY had an intuition that Jezero Mons was a volcano since he first placed it in 2007. “For me, it seemed like a volcano, but it was difficult to get additional pictures.” At that time, scientists recently discovered the Jezero hole. Once scientists decide this It is likely to be an old lake bedPhotography efforts focused on its water history on the opposite side of Jizru Mons.

Then, shortly after perseverance in NASA Rover landed In Jezero Crate in 2021, there was a break in the case. This Rover collects samples from the surface of Mars To help search for past life, investigate the climate of the planet and geology, and extend the way for the human exploration of the red planet. A long time ago, data from perseverance showed that the hole floor was not a sediment, as one expected from a pre -removed area. It was actually to make Volcanic rocks.

Ray wondered whether this cold rock could come from Jezero Mons. Cooperative with the main author Sarah-quiñones-a graduate student at the University of Brown, which was working with WRAY as part of a summer university research program at that time-to try to answer this question.

Ray, Ray, Rawi, and Wara, said that Ray, Kevas-Quinyon, and their colleagues used a set of data from the orbit of Mars Odisi, the Embry of Mars, or EXOMARS, and ROOR persons. ”This wealth of data allowed researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of Jezero Mons and compared to other well-known volcanoes.

They found that the size and shape of this peak is similar to Mars volcanoes such as zefiria and Oblinarus Those, as well as Mount Sidi in Antarctica. What’s more, the researchers decided that Jezero Mons lacks impressive drilling and does not keep heat well – signs that it may be covered with volcanic ash. Parts of the northwestern wing of Peak also resemble the edges of previous volcanic lava flows that seem to reach the hole floor, which may explain the reason for finding a Norwegian rock there.

Although this does not definitely prove that Jezero Mons is a volcano, it is one of the most powerful evidence experts yet. The results are an interesting development in the search for life in Jezero Crate. A volcano might be near this old lake may have generated a water thermal activity – an energy source that can continue in past life.

Now, researchers are waiting for the return of perseverance samples. It can determine the dating dating dating back to the volcanic rocks collected in Rover, which can then be used to estimate the age of Jezero Crate more accurately, according to researchers. This would provide valuable visions in the geological history of the Red Planet.

At the present time, NASA and its international partners do not have a strong plan to obtain this group of rocks and dust to Earth, but the agency is Review Important strategies to return March (MSR) with the aim of confirming the program in 2026. However, the proposal of President Donald Trump 2026, however, It threatens to direct this program. If Congress approved, the budget will be ending The mission of MSR is on the basis that it is “more than the budget” and its goals can be achieved through human missions to Mars.

WRAY hopes to find his hands in perseverance in one way or another. “If these samples are returned to the ground, we can do an incredible and pioneer science with them,” he said.