Proof of Water on Mars

From Gizmag.com

Fresh observations of surface features known as recurring slope lineae (RSL) appear to have confirmed the presence of liquid water on Mars. The evidence of surface water may have profound implications in the ongoing search for Martian life, both ancient and present, and as a resource to be used in a future manned mission to the Red Planet.

Previous observations of RSLs, which were first discovered in 2010, drew many scientists to the theory that they may be the result of active water flows present on the Martian surface. The features appear as dark lines streaking down steep slopes such as Hale Crater. The running water theory was based on factors such as the RSLs’ appearance at certain times of the year, with the streaks appearing to flow downhill during warmer seasons, where temperatures rise above -10 °F (-23 °C) , and subsequently fade in cooler periods.

However, though the observations were compelling, the scientific community lacked the evidence to conclusively point to water as the cause of the RSLs – that is, until today. New observations carried out by NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) have provided strong evidence that the RSLs are indeed the result of seasonal water flows emanating from slopes present on the Red Planet.

The observations made use of the spacecraft’s Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) to sample the light absorption characteristics of the RSLs. NASA scientists then analyzed the readings back on Earth, and it was found that the absorption rates matched the characteristics of hydrated minerals called perchlorates. Based on the chemical signature returned by the MRO, it is believe that the flows are composed of a mixture of magnesium perchlorate, magnesium chlorate and sodium perchlorate.