There is a possibility that alien life once existed on Mars and may still exist today, possibly hidden in unexplored parts of the planet.
In the quest for a real-life Harry Vanderspeigle from Resident Alien (watch the series on Peacock), astronomers and explorers have a new area to explore. Recent findings suggest the presence of underwater oceans in the mid-crust of Mars, based on data from NASA’s retired InSight lander.
The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, sheds light on the Martian water cycle and could guide future missions to Mars.
NASA’s InSight Lander Discovers Underground Oceans on Mars
The Mars InSight lander, launched in 2018, aimed to understand planetary processes by studying geological activity on Mars. Equipped with a heat probe and seismometer, the mission provided valuable data despite challenges.
In 2022, NASA ended the mission due to dust accumulation on the solar panels, but scientists are still analyzing the data collected by InSight.
Where Did Mars’ Water Vanish?
3 billion years ago, Mars resembled Earth with evidence of ancient water bodies. Today, the surface water has disappeared, possibly due to Mars’ low gravity and thin atmosphere.
New findings from Mars InSight suggest that the water may be trapped in the Martian mid-crust, with potential to cover the entire surface in an ocean. This hidden water poses challenges for future missions seeking signs of life on Mars.
For those seeking easier-to-find aliens, watch Resident Alien on Peacock.
