This discovery is very important, because it confirms the theory that water on Mars disappeared not long ago, as is commonly believed.
The Curiosity rover discovered an opal gem on the Red Planet. Scientists from the University of Arizona, USA, believe that this is a potential source of water. The New Atlas writes about it.
It is noted that opal is a mineraloid – a solid that forms, like minerals, when water reacts with silica-rich rocks. Thus, a solution appears, living in the cracks of the rocks.
After some time, this solution becomes solid. It has a homogeneous chemical composition. The color is too dull or blindingly bright. On Earth, opal is found in Australia and Ethiopia.
The rover found the opal near faults on the surface of Mars, which criss-cross the planet.
Travis Gabriel of Arizona State University said that all the collected rock samples were mainly composed of silica and water, which are the main components of opal.
In addition, scientists discovered that such deposits are located in various places near the faults on the surface of the Red Planet, and there are many of them.
“Opal could be an important source of water for astronauts flying to Mars. Because water is not tightly bound within the crystal structure of the mineraloid, it can be easily extracted if the opal is crushed and heated. Calculating that of scientists from the surface. place where the opal is located, a diameter of 1 meter, and a depth of 30 cm, you can get about 6 liters of water,” said the scientists.
Image: newatlas.com
Opal is found near cracks in the surface of Mars
Recall that earlier the American space agency NASA officially said goodbye to the InSight lander, which spent four years exploring the bowels of Mars.
Curiosity took new pictures of Mars
news Correspondent.net on Telegram. Subscribe to our channel Athletistic
Source: korrespondent
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.