An Ancient ‘Smiley Face’ on Mars May Hold Info About Martian Life
Despite being harsh and inhospitable, Mars has a surprisingly cheery disposition. Scientists have located a “smiley face” on the Martian surface as part of a new study of the Red Planet’s surface.
The smiley face-like structure, which as Space reports is only visible in specific situations, is the remains of an ancient Martian lake that scientists believe dried up billions of years ago.
“Once a world of rivers, lakes, and possibly oceans, Mars now reveals its secrets through chloride salt deposits found by our ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter,” explains the European Space Agency (ESA) on Instagram. “These deposits, remnants of ancient water bodies, could indicate habitable zones from billions of years ago.”
“The discovery of nearly a thousand potential sites offers new insights into Mars’ climate and potential for past life.”
