Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, uncovering a giant volcano named the Noctis that had remained hidden for centuries. Spanning a massive 280 miles wide, the volcano is believed to have been active from ancient to recent times.
The revelation of the Noctis volcano was announced at the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Texas. The discovery is considered a potential destination for future robotic and human exploration, providing new insights into the geological history of Mars.
The findings were detailed in a study conducted by the SETI Institute and the Mars Institute at NASA Ames Research Centre. Despite being imaged by orbiting spacecraft since 1971, the volcano was deeply eroded and “hiding in plain sight” at the Noctis Labyrinthus on Mars.
This discovery is considered a “smoking gun” in relation to the volcanic setting of hydrated minerals on Mars. The volcano has experienced eruptions in modern times, but it remains unknown if it is still active. Additionally, a large area of volcanic deposits within the volcano’s perimeter was also uncovered.
Situated on the edge of a topographic rise called Tharsis, which is home to other giant volcanoes, the Noctis volcano is seen as an exciting location for astrobiology research and the search for signs of life on Mars.
In other news related to Mars exploration, NASA recently announced a Second Year-Long Mars Mission Simulation and SpaceX founder Elon Musk issued a warning about artificial intelligence. The ongoing discoveries and advancements in Mars exploration continue to captivate the scientific community and pave the way for future exploration of the Red Planet.
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