Italian scientists report the discovery of a network of saltwater basins near a large underground lake on Mars.
This is stated in an article published in the journal Nature Astronomy.
The researchers analyzed data from the European Space Agency's radar probe in orbit Mars Express. The lake is estimated to be 20-30 kilometers below the ice surface of the south pole of Mars. Three small ponds of different sizes have been identified around the lake, which join the main part of the water.
The presence of water increases the likelihood of a source of microbes on Mars or under its surface. Most likely, the high salt concentration prevents the water from freezing. Four billion years ago, Mars was thought to be hot and humid, but turned into a desert due to the loss of its magnetic field.
At the South Pole, the surface temperature is estimated at minus 113 degrees, and the temperature gradually warms to depth.
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